Cricket officials to discuss security situation in Pak

Dubai: Pakistan's fate as the venue of the high-profile Champions Trophy may be decided on Sunday when top

cricket officials of participating nations meet here to discuss the security situation in the strife-torn nation.

With security concerns mounting ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in September, the ICC has called the meeting to brief all the participating nations on security matters.

Although, the ICC maintained that there was no threat to the troubled country's right to host the elite event as of now, many players from countries like England, Australia and South Africa have expressed reservations about playing there.

"Prior to the meeting, the ICC will not indulge in speculation and, at this stage, the tournament will proceed in Pakistan, as scheduled," the ICC said in a statement.

The statement further said, "The timing of the briefing was agreed upon during the ICC's annual conference week, in early July, to allow the ICC's security consultants to provide a comprehensive report of arrangements at the Asia Cup. This was not possible previously as that tournament was still ongoing."

Representatives of the ICC's Broadcast Partner ESPN STAR Sports and the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) have also been invited to attend the briefing.

(With inputs from PTI)

More Headlines from News

• SA's dubious quota selection policy to end

• Under-fire Prior wants to return to India

• Pujara strong contender for Test spot

• Ponting pays in Warne's absence, in dollars

• ICC President slams Boycott, wants England to go