International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson feels organising a safe and corruption-free World Cup will be their greatest challenge during the two-month long mega-event.

The ICC World Cup will kick start with hosts Australia and co-hosts New Zealand taking on England and Sri Lanka respectively on February 14 and Richardson said security has been the biggest expense for the ICC this time.

“Security ... I suppose it is reflective of the global situation we are in. That has been a big challenge for us. The spend on security in this World Cup is more than ever before,” he said on Tuesday.

“Previously, the cost of travel and accommodation would exceed the security projects, but now it is the other way round. It is the biggest expense for the World Cup, apart from the prize money.

“It has been a challenge, but I think we are very well placed so there is not necessarily a threat to the tournament itself, but obviously we have to be aware of the global situation,” Richardson said.