PCB chief insists: We're ready

Ashraf says ICC are happy with arrangements for Champions Trophy

Last updated: 18th August 2008  

PCB chief insists: We're ready

Ashraf: 'Everything is set'

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Pakistan officials have insisted they will host next month's Champions Trophy as scheduled despite concerns over security.

England, South Africa and Australia have expressed concerns over their players' safety during the eight-team limited overs tournament, but the ICC is set to confirm the go-ahead in a Tuesday press conference.

And Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf says the ICC must not bow to player-power ahead of the tournament that starts on September 12.

"Everything is set for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and the ICC fully supports our security plans and planning," he said.

"It is only a few players who are grumbling and their concerns are emotional pressure not based on reasoning or logic."

Despite briefings from an ICC task force, Cricket Australia and New Zealand have said they had yet to decide whether they would send teams to Pakistan.

"I would advise these players to not be stubborn and behave sensibly," Ashraf said. "They should accept the ICC decision."

He pointed out that even the representative of the players' association (Tim May), who visited Pakistan with the ICC task force, has acknowledged he had never seen such elaborate security arrangements for a cricket event.

"The ICC and its member boards are satisfied with our security arrangements and foolproof planning and there is no reason for not having the Champions Trophy in Pakistan," Ashraf added.

"There is no question of the tournament being relocated to some other country or being postponed. It will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. As it is, there is no other time available to have this event now."

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