Pakistan retains international cricket tournament despite security concerns
25/7/2008 16:42
Pakistan finally retained its position as the host of an international
cricket event scheduled in September even though doubts persisted over security
situations in country, a Pakistani newspaper reported today.
"The Champions
Trophy will stay in Pakistan," The News quoted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
chairman Nasim Ashraf as saying after the International Cricket Council (ICC)
ended a teleconference in Dubai yesterday.
The ICC's final decision also
ended the speculations that the ICC could move the tournament venue from
Pakistan to other countries due to security fears.
The Champions Trophy, the
year's biggest one-day tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from
Sept. 11 to 28. The tournament involves top eight nations including
Pakistan.
However, Australia, England and New Zealand have raised concerns
about security situations in Pakistan as the country was fighting against
militants in northwestern tribal regions and has seen a spate of suicide attacks
over the past year.
The ICC is expected to send security teams to Pakistan to
finalize effective plan for the event, The News said.
Xinhua
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