New Zealand officials dismiss Pakistan claims about World Cup facilities

Tournament organisers have dismissed as laughable, claims made in a Pakistan newspaper that facilities at the ICC Under-19 World Cup tournament are not up to standard.

The report in Dawn claimed the tournament failed "too produce a pure cricketing atmosphere and lack standard international facilities required in the sport."

It went on to add: "Teams are lodged at Lincoln University hostels where there is only one lavatory and one shower for at least six persons. It is difficult for the boys on the day of the match to be punctual, as they have to queue up for their turn to use bathroom and lavatory."

Further, the Pakistani players, and other Asians were reported to be struggling with "frozen meat food".

Tournament organiser Tim Murdoch said New Zealand Cricket and the International Cricket Council were agreed that the university-style accommodation was highly appropriate to teams of the age of the players.

"Even ICC president Malcolm Gray was highly impressed with the standard of the facilities, including the accommodation, when he visited here after the opening ceremony."

The Dawn report continued that players were also having to do their own laundry, "many of them have this experience in their life for first time." (sic)

The story also claimed there was no transport for players to carry their heavy kits to the ground.

There was also a complaint the Pakistan team would not be playing at the main venue, the "Burt Sutcliffe Oval" (sic). The ground is named in honour of one of the greatest left-handed batsmen in world cricket history and a highly-respected New Zealand player, Bert Sutcliffe.

There were also complaints that the 6-7.30pm evening dining time was inconvenient.

The report also referred to the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, Martin Snedden as Martin "Sweden".

Murdoch said the claims were laughable.

Not one complaint had been received by him or the ICC representatives at the tournament.

"The ICC-approved Lincoln University after inspecting the facilities as long ago as May. They knew exactly what the standards would be," he said.

"As far as they, and we, are concerned everything is fine. And contrary to the claims made, there is an excellent atmosphere in which to play cricket.

"The simple fact is that in New Zealand big crowds will not be attracted to this tournament in the same way they would be for games by the senior side.

"I am sure the semi-finals and final will attract good-sized crowds," Murdoch said.