AUCKLAND, Aug 12: Three potential members of the New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy squad have declared themselves unavailable for the Sri Lanka event because of security fears, chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said Monday.

Batsmen Craig McMillan and Matt Horne, along with leg-spin bowler Brooke Walker have asked not to be considered for next month’s One-day International tournament as the Kiwis seek to defend the title they won in Kenya in 2000.

“The players’ decision has been accepted by New Zealand Cricket,” chief executive Martin Snedden said.

“When deciding whether to attend the tournament, the safety of the team was our top priority.

“We have been advised that a cease-fire has been in place and the country is the most stable it has been for some time.”

Chris Cairns, who scored a century in leading New Zealand to victory in the Nairobi final against India two years ago, fellow all-rounder Andre Adams and left-arm seamer Shayne O’Connor, are also unavailable through injury.

Mathew Sinclair has won his place back after missing selection for the recent Pakistan and West Indies tours but Ian Butler, who made his debut against England this year to replace the then injured Shane Bond, has been omitted.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Chris Harris, Paul Hitchcock, Kyle Mills, Chris Nevin, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Glen Sulzberger, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Meanwhile, the Australian Cricket Board is satisfied with security arrangements for its cricketers in Sri Lanka despite the withdrawal of three players.

An ACB spokesman said the 14 players selected for the Champions Trophy from Sept 12-29 had not expressed any concerns about playing in Sri Lanka. —Reuters/AFP