LAHORE, May 29: Despite repeated assurances of top level security by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in September, few member countries of the International Cricket Council (ICC) are still reluctant to play in the tournament in Pakistan.

Informed sources told Dawn on Thursday that though the last visit of the ICC delegation raised no serious objection during the security briefing given to them by the police and interior ministry officials, there are indications that some ICC members countries are still following the wait and see policy.

On the contrary, Pakistan which is also playing host to the Asia Cup in June-July have been given a green signal by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) which has neither expressed any reservations nor have sent any security delegation prior to the event.

According to sources, all main member countries of the ACC including India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have not shown any concerns over the rapidly improving security situation in Pakistan in their meeting held at Colombo last Sunday. There are also reports that the PCB delegation gave a highly satisfactory and successful briefing over the issue to the participating countries.

AS for the Champions Trophy, the sources said that reluctance has mainly been shown by those countries who have a definite role in war against terrorism in the neighbouring Afghanistan. Since Pakistan is a major ally in the war, such countries fear targetted attacks on their teams, the sources added.

The PCB, however, had emphasised upon the ICC delegation that since the whole world is under constant threat of terrorism, it would not be fair to single out Pakistan as a dangerous zone.

Recently, despite the seven bomb blasts in Jaipur, India, a key Indian Premier League (IPL) match was held in the city. Besides, top world-class cricketers have continued to feature in the IPL and none of them have expressed reservation about the security situation in India.

Interestingly, the ICC has named Sri Lanka as the alternate venue for the ICC Champions Trophy in case some countries refuse playing in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the security officials included in the ICC delegation were clearly professionals and only assessed the various arrangements for the mega event without making their views public on the security situation.

The interior ministry officials had also provided them some details regarding the deployment of police and in their strength.

Sources said that successful holding of the Asia Cup would be the real test of the PCB and could pave way for the ICC Champions Trophy. However, the timing of the Asian event is not too ideal for PCB’s liking. While the ICC is likely to take a decision about the Champions Trophy on June 29, the Asia Cup would have barely started by then and would not really help the governing body in making up their mind over the security arrangements and their fool proof standards.