BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

HEAD OF the 2007 International Cricket World Cup, Chris Dehring, is cautioning governments about selling their stadia after the tournament is finished.

He indicated that several investors were attempting to sell or lease the grounds, but Dehring believes leasing was the better option.

"Some countries are exploring their options," he said. "They are looking at what to do with the stadia after the World Cup is finished.

"I know there are some management companies that are interested. What they are looking at are initiatives where they could put on events, and then pay some kind of leasing fee to the governments and/or the owners of the stadia.

"It would not be a bad idea. It would keep income flowing, and would keep the venues in use probably year-round. I'm not so sure about the selling. I don't think that would be a great idea.

"Some of these venues are national assets. They mean so much to the people of the Caribbean." Governments of the nine countries hosting matches have invested more than US$150 million in either upgrading or building 12 venues for the tournament, which runs from March 5 to April 28.