"I don’t know what has transpired at the ICC meeting in Dubai for this decision to be taken. But it is disappointing as we were keen to host the World Cup matches and were working hard on a security plan to convince the ICC and other countries," Saleem Altaf, the chief operating officer of the Board said.

"Pakistan cricket is going through bad times and unfortunately the support and understanding we expect from the ICC and other countries is not forthcoming," Javed Miandad, a former captain who is serving as director-general said.

"There was still time left for the tournament and board was willing to do everything to keep the World Cup matches and host them safely," Miandad said.

"The World Cup is a global event and I don’t think the Pakistani people will like this ICC decision. How do you expect the sport to survive in Pakistan when the ICC is isolating Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja said.

"This decision will hurt Pakistan cricket no doubt about that. It is a big setback for us," he said.

"Where did this support go we would like to know. What was India‘s role in all this. Pakistan cricket has really suffered a big blow with this ICC decision," Pakistan‘s former captain Moin Khan said.

"Cricket can’t survive without international matches at home. The security situation in other countries is also bad including India so why just keep on targeting Pakistan. The IPL was shifted from India because their government couldn’t guarantee security for the players. So why is the ICC only targeting Pakistan," Former captain Rashid Latif said.