June 19, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 14, 1429

ISLAMABAD, June 18: President of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Ray Mali on Wednesday while acknowledging the standard of Pakistani venues expressed his satisfaction over the facilities and security arrangements provided at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the ICC Champions Trophy by the Pakistan government.

“I hope that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium would come up as one of the best international cricket venues for the ICC Champions Trophy matches,” said Mali while talking to media here about the eight-nation mega event scheduled to be held in Pakistan from Sept 11 to 28.

The ICC president hoped that the stadium would host all the matches in a befitting manner.

Mali further said that he would convince all the nations to participate in the Champions Trophy which is an important international contest.

He also praised Pakistan’s cricket venues.

“Pakistani stadiums are world-class and have never been an issue of concern for the ICC. However, we are ready to help them if they require help in this field,” he stated.

Mali visited three venues of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad including Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) stadium and Diamond cricket ground.

Meanwhile, Mali also met Pakistan’s Interior Ministry officials including the Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr Nasim Ashraf was also present.

Kamal, while talking to media after the meeting, said: “The (Interior) Ministry gave them briefing regarding the stringent security measures taken and also asked the ICC president to award more international events to Pakistan in near future.”

Agencies add: Dr Nasim said on Wednesday the government would ensure provision of security to all the participating teams in the Champions Trophy.

Talking to the media at the Parliament House, he said Pakistan is a safe country and there is no security hazard for the foreigners, adding the visit of ICC president to the country has proved it.

He further said that the morale of Pakistan team was high after winning the tri-nation series in Bangladesh and hoped the team would perform better in the Champions Trophy.