August 13, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 10, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 12: Federation of International Cricket Association (FICA) Chief Executive Tim May spent time late on Monday with fellow Australians Geoff Lawson and David Dwyer — who are attached with the Pakistan team — to discuss the various issues pertaining the security of players in the region.

Former off-spinner May has been one of the most vocal critics off the ICC for awarding the Champions Trophy to Pakistan as he believes the situation in the country does not guarantee the safety and security of visiting teams and players in the mega-event.

Eyewitnesses said that May made several inquiries about the general security situation in the country from Lawson and Dwyer and asked them how they felt living in Pakistan in the prevailing conditions.

“May spoke to Lawson and Dwyer for about an hour at the National Cricket Academy which may go some way in dispelling the concerns of disgruntled players,” said a source close to PCB.

The players associations of many countries are members of FICA and will depend largely on the feedback they get from their chief, Tim May.

A former Test player, May visited Pakistan in 1994 and was among the players who made bribery allegations against former captain, Salim Malik who was later banned for life over match fixing charges.

Meanwhile, commenting on his visit with the task force to Pakistan, Tim May said he hoped the ICC would ease players’ fears.

“I don’t want to comment on what is good and what is not good, but I hope the ICC addresses the players’ concerns adequately and not only convinces me but also players who have shown concerns over playing in Pakistan,” May said.

“I have come to Pakistan with an open mind and a great deal of thought had been put on the issues relating to security so I will get back and brief the players about the tour,” stated May.—Agencies