ICC condoles victims of Christchurch earthquake

Nagpur : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its condolences and sympathy to the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, after the devastating earthquake which has claimed many lives, injured scores of others and destroyed offices and homes.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: ?At times like this, sport can only offer its support and its deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones during such a tragedy.

?It?s a helpless feeling but I will be discussing with the organisers of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 how we can most appropriately remember those who lost their lives or have been injured and affected when the Black Caps play their next match against Australia in Nagpur on Friday.”

He said: ?We have already contacted the New Zealand Cricket?s Chief Executive Dr Justin Vaughan to express our concern for him, his staff and the people of Christchurch. The news we have is that the NZC offices have been severely damaged but thankfully everyone who works for NZC seems to have escaped without injury.”

?On behalf of everyone at the ICC and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 we send our heartfelt condolences,? said Lorgat.