ICC 'almost certain' to head to Dubai

Although an official decision regarding its future plans has yet to be announced by the ICC, it is almost certain that it will move from its current headquarters at Lord's - according to MCC, who own the ground.

In a monthly mailing to its 18,000 members, MCC said that "It is virtually certain that ICC will leave Lord's during 2005 and relocate to Dubai." The mailing continued: "Although the Council's departure will bring its 96-year link with Lord's to an end, and for many this will be a source of regret, the move will, at the same time, enable the committee to consider how best to use the Clock Tower in the future."

The ICC has been housed in offices in the Clock Tower behind the Compton Stand at the Nursery end of Lord's for the last 12 years, and a decision on whether to move abroad, primarily for tax reasons, had been expected before Christmas. But it is thought that last-minute discussions with the British government, which initially refused to offer the ICC any special financial concessions, delayed the final announcement.