An overspend on security for the Cricket World Cup has forced the Bangladesh government to divert money from other departments to meet a $7 million shortfall, officials said on Thursday. "The expenses have overshot the budget but that would not hamper the event, as the required funds are being diverted from other governmental sources," a senior official of the sports ministry told Reuters.
Ensuring security for the players, officials and fans took up the bulk of the overspend, he said without giving details. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told a parliament session late on Wednesday that hosting the Cricket World Cup would cost her government some $67 million, against the estimated budget of some $60 million.