July 16, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 12, 1429

LAHORE, July 15: Dispelling the reservations of some foreign players regarding security concerns in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Shafqat Naghmi has given an assurance that the country will host the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from Sept 11.

In response to a question Shafqat said at a press conference on Tuesday: “ Under the current situation I am quite confident that Pakistan will host the next ICC Champions Trophy as per schedule in September.”

Though the ICC has been closely observing the security situation in Pakistan, it has not taken a final decision to shift the venue from Pakistan to another country.

Shafqat further said the proposed four-nation Twenty20 Cup is likely to be held in Canada in August.

He pointed out that New Zealand had also confirmed their tour to Pakistan in August ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.