London, April 25 (IANS) The Twenty20 World Cup in England next year could be in jeopardy with the International Cricket Council refusing to hold its annual meeting in London June following the British government’s reported refusal to grant a visa to the Zimbabwean cricket chief. Cricket’s ruling body is to meet in Dubai for its annual conference this summer — the first time it will leave the haloed Lord’s in 99 years, authorities said.

The decision to shift the June meeting from London to Dubai followed a reported refusal of visa to Zimbabwe cricket chairman Peter Chingoka because of strained relations with the African nation.

Newspaper reports said the decision could also see next year’s World Twenty20 championships being moved to another country.

“It will affect plans to celebrate the ICC’s centenary next year at the home of cricket and cast a doubt over next year’s World Twenty20, which will use Lord’s as its principle base,” the Daily Telegraph said.

“Unless there are significant developments in Zimbabwe, the ICC may feel compelled to relocate it to another country,” it added.

Lord’s, home the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has hosted every annual meeting of the ICC since 1909.

“With the ICC having moved its headquarters to Dubai in 2005, this is not a big surprise,” said an MCC spokesman.