Don Lockerbie, the ICC CWC's venue development director. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

DON LOCKERBIE, Cricket World Cup's (CWC) venue development director, has expressed disappointment at the progress of construction at the Queen's Park Oval.

Speaking to reporters after he led a high-powered International Cricket Council and CWC team of officials on a tour of the facility on Wednesday, Lockerbie admitted he was dissatisfied with the amount of unfinished grounds.

"When I visited the UWI ground (warm-up venue) this morning, there was great joy in my heart but after the Oval inspection I must say, I am a disappointed man," Lockerbie said.

"For the Oval not being a venue that was torn down, it is disappointing that up until February 7, the stadium is not finished. Look at the 'Trini Posse' Stand behind me and tell me if we are ready for World Cup at this point?

"This stand is the premier stand in the Caribbean and still with one month to go, there is still too much work to be done.

"The pitch and outfield is in great shape but there are still too many unfinished stands at the ground."

Lockerbie said while he believed construction had been continuing too long, he was still confident the venue would be ready in time for the start of the event.

Trinidad & Tobago is scheduled to host Group B matches involving Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Bermuda from March 15-25.

Disappointed man

"The pavilion needs some work also and I think construction on this has been going on for far too long. Now, I am a disappointed man today after viewing the Oval but ask me if I think we will be ready and I will tell you yes," Lockerbie said.

"What is more disappointing is the fact that I saw what you can do in Trinidad. The St. Augustine facility (at UWI) looks world class. You have transformed this venue at the very last minute into a world-class facility, ranking among the best in the world."

The Sir Frank Worrell ground at UWI St. Augustine will stage Group C warm-up games between South Africa, Pakistan, Canada and Ireland from March 5-9.

It was chosen after the Brian Lara stadium was abandoned as a warm-up venue last year, after it fell too far behind schedule.

Lockerbie also hinted at dissatisfaction with the Sabina Park venue which hosts opening round Group D matches involving hosts West Indies, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland from March 13-23.

Sabina Park is also slated to host the first of the semi-finals on April 24.

"What has me concerned is that this venue as well as Sabina Park will host first-round games and they are both behind time," he noted.