ICC headquarters to stay in Dubai

The headquarters of International Cricket Council will not be shifted out of Dubai, the world cricket body has decided during a two-day meeting in Dubai, putting an end to speculations that it may relocate to London.

"The matter of relocation is now closed," an ICC statement, released after the council's two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, said.

On the decision, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat expressed his happiness saying he is "personally delighted" after the matter was resolved.

"This provides welcome certainty for the staff and I am personally delighted that this matter has finally been resolved," Lorgat was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

The decision came on the day when the ICC Global Cricket Academy was opened adjacent to the ICC Headquarters. The academy is association with Dubai Sports City.

The ICC headquarters was shifted to Dubai from Lords, London, in 2005 after the UK government refused to grant the tax concessions that the cricket body had asked for.