Proteas issue Champions snub

Proteas to sit out tournament in Pakistan over safety concerns

Last updated: 22nd August 2008

South Africa cricket team

South Africa: safety concerns

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Cricket South Africa have announced their national team will not take part in the Champions Trophy if it is staged in Pakistan.

CSA officials met with the International Cricket Council's task force on Friday to discuss their fears over security in Pakistan following a number of recent bomb attacks in the country.

The ICC did their best to assuage the concerns presented by the South African contingent, but the CSA were not satisfied by the assurances they were given.

As a consequence, CSA president Norman Arendse has now confirmed the Proteas will not be attending the tournament next month.

"After extensive discussions and a frank exchange of views, the board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy," Arendse stated.

"We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament, and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible."

South African Cricketers' Association chief Tony Irish backed CSA's decision, insisting player safety is paramount.

"This was a difficult decision, but it was the right one," Irish added. "There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team.

"We appreciate all the efforts of the ICC task team, the Pakistan Cricket Board, the Pakistan authorities and the security consultants.

"The players are naturally disappointed for their fans and the people of Pakistan that they will not have a chance to see them in action in that country in September."

With Australia, New Zealand and England having also expressed concerns about travelling to Pakistan, they could now follow South Africa's lead by withdrawing from the tournament.

Sri Lanka are the designated back-up hosts and further talks about a possible change in venue are to be held by the ICC ahead of the weekend.

Those discussions are expected to support the prospect of moving the tournament to ensure participation from all the leading nations in order to satisfy the requirements of television companies in the region.