World Cup: Speed admits 'there will be problems'

Malcolm Speed: 'There will be logistical problems, everyone knows that' © Getty Images

Malcom Speed, the ICC's chief executive, has admitted that problems are likely to arise during the World Cup but has called for patience when they do.

"There will be logistical problems, everyone knows that," Speed told Reuters. "There will be times when for one reason or another the arrangements are criticised in the media. I think we need to bear in mind the size of the undertaking of playing a major sporting event in nine countries. Each country is different to each other, they do very little together but have all come together to host this World Cup."

Speed said that transportation between the nine centres being used the stage matches was a worry. "The issue of getting people to the next country are difficult but there are people who have been working on it for several years now and we hope to have very few problems. Players and officials will be going on charter flights so that should not be a problem. There will be problems for spectators as it is difficult to get about the Caribbean on normal commercial flights."

But he went on to say that, despite scare stories, the venues were on course to be completed in time. "The grounds will be excellent," he said. "They are working very hard to get the pitches and the playing fields up to standard. I am quite confident the work that's gone into the planning for the venues has been outstanding and that anyone who goes to these venues will be very impressed with what they see."