Malcolm Speed (bottom right) watches Ireland play Sri Lanka

The length of the tournament has caused controversy, as have high ticket prices and poor attendances at some games.

"The prospects of the semi-finals are mouth-watering but less so is criticism of the tournament," Speed said.

"No-one ever pretended this would be a straightforward event to stage. There have been plenty of positives, and they outweigh the negatives."

Just three of the 51 games of the tournament remain - with Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa having reached the semi-finals.

Ticket pricing may have been an issue ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed

Reflecting on the first-round exit of India and Pakistan, Speed added: "It has cost the tournament in terms of supporters, but it has also shown that cricket does exist outside the top eight sides.

"To those people who have said the tournament has been too long, it is worth pointing out that there are three fewer matches this time, compared to four years ago, despite an additional two teams taking part.

"It would have been great if every one of the stadia had been full for every match, but that has not happened.

"Ticket pricing may have been an issue, although we would maintain that US$25 (�12.47) is a fair price for a global event."