The International Cricket Council has revealed a change of policy in their sale of tickets for the World Cup.

The move comes after scuffles between fans queuing for tickets and police in Bangalore, as well as demand causing ticket-selling websites to crash.

The ICC says there will now be a public ballot for tickets for the semi-finals and the final, which will take place at the Wankhede Stadium on 2 April.

The ballot is due to open to fans on Monday, 28 February.

Television pictures showed police in Bangalore hitting fans on their legs and backs on Thursday, provoking widespread condemnation around the world.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said he regretted what had happened but made it clear they did not envisage any further problems.

"Those were scenes we did not want to see. It is most unfortunate," said Lorgat. "But the local association know best how to handle it. We've become very mature in ensuring the safety of spectators.

"But the ballot system is a much more favourable way to do things and will avoid physical risks.

"I'm confident that will be a much better system to release tickets."

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