1 Feb 2013

pakistan women stay in Stadium at World Cup

10:03 am on 1 February 2013

Pakistan have been told it is not safe for them to stay at a hotel during the Women's Cricket World Cup in India.

Instead the players will be living at a stadium where police say they can provide greater security.

The tournament started last night with India beating the West Indies by 105 runs.

New Zealand play South Africa in their opening match today, while Pakistan take on Australia in the other pool match.

The entire tournament was due to take place in Mumbai, but the eastern city of Cuttack was introduced as a second venue after protests against Pakistan's involvement.

Pakistan have been put up at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, which has an academy with hotel-style facilities.

Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashar says the arrangements are more like what they get in Pakistan and they are happy with the facilities.

The shift of the entire programme of Group B fixtures - involving Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - to Cuttack, was only confirmed a week ago.