Organisers in race against time

Dubai: The World Cup organisers are racing against time to get everything ready before the start of the first match on March 13.

Speaking from Trinidad and Tobago, Chris Dehring, the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the World Cup, said: "We are approaching the finish line and we need to run through the tape and not ease up."

Malcolm Speed, the ICC Chief Executive, flew in from Dubai to Trinidad and has held discussions with the organisers.

Commenting on the arrangements, Speed said: "There is still work to be done and there and there's not much time for it. That's usually the case with an event such as this, that as we come into the last month there's still work to be done at some of the venues and there's a sense of urgency where every day counts as we're heading towards a deadline."

Speed also expressed his hope that cricket fans around the world will be able to watch some great cricket here.

"I think the cricket world is now ready to enjoy some great cricket in the West Indies; to enjoy the great hospitality that is always extended to cricketers and cricket fans in this part of the world and to determine which of the 16 teams will be the World Cup winner for 2007," added Speed.

Dehring went on to candidly admit that the practice facilities in Jamaica is yet to be completed and that construction is still on in Trinidad.

"The stands at the Queens Park Oval is yet to be completed but we will make sure that the stadium is finished on time."

Dehring pointed out: "Organising the World Cup is a mammoth undertaking, coordinating 10,000 people across nine countries in delivering an event...10,000 people who are working full-time to deliver this event and coordinating that effort has been a joy; to see everybody come together; to see everybody feel that this is a Caribbean undertaking and not just an individual undertaking."

However, Dehring also added: "It is disappointing that we have venues that are a little behind. We know the work will be done but let us focus and make sure it is done."

Before leaving Trinidad, Speed warned against any form complacency, especially when there is only less than a month for the start of the World Cup.