LONDON (Reuters)
The unprecedented row over the sacking of match referee Mike Denness for the third Test between South Africa and India is unlikely to affect England's current tour of India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: "I wouldn't see this having an impact on the England tour.

"There's a bit of water to flow under the bridge at the moment but I don't see any impediment."

England had already expressed concern over the trip before their departure earlier this month, with several players worried about security following the attacks on the U.S. and the ensuing events in war-torn Afghanistan.

Speed added of Thursday's controversy: "Yes, it's unprecedented. I feel acute disappointment but cricket is very strong and resilient and it will come through this."

There was speculation in South Africa, meanwhile, that their staging of the 2003 cricket World Cup could be in jeopardy over the affair.

Ali Bacher, executive director of the 2003 World Cup, said: "South Africa was awarded the privilege of staging the eighth cricket World Cup.

"Nobody in South Africa should assume that that right is automatic. The World Cup – the event – is owned by the ICC."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd