August 15, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 12, 1429

LONDON, Aug 14: England off-spinner Graeme Swann has vowed to come to Pakistan if the ICC Champions Trophy is staged there as scheduled next month.

Recently, the ICC task force has assessed the security in Pakistan for the eight-nation extravaganza that is to be held from Sept 12 to 28. However, a very difficult problem has been convincing the players.

The security advisers of the ICC are being sent to England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to convince their cricket boards that the players’ concerns are speculative.

But Swann is not concerned.

“In Sri Lanka last year there were bombs going off while we were there,” he said. “But you did not feel threatened by it because you have got the security detail, and the army give you escorts. I’d certainly trust what [ICC security expert] Reg Dickason says — after spending some time with him. Therefore, I’ll have to wait and see what he says.”

Meanwhile, fast bowler Stuart Clark hopes a looming Australian boycott of the event isolate Pakistan as a cricket destination.

The visit by a party led by ICC general manager David Richardson is part of tour aimed to boost participation at the biennial tournament.

But a negative response could mean end of tours to Pakistan for a long time.

“I hope not,” said Clark. “It’s very important that part of world keeps playing cricket. Obviously those countries are struggling but if it doesn’t happen I hope they do whatever they need to rectify the situation.”

Richardson and ICC’s security expert will outline situation in Lahore and Karachi, where matches are scheduled, to Cricket Australia (CA) officials, captain Ricky Ponting and deputy Michael Clarke and players union boss Paul Marsh.

They will present findings of taskforce set up recently to review security arrangements in cities in a bid to encourage defending champions to compete.

Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has been drafted in to recruitment drive by ICC and will attend meeting in Melbourne, along with Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations boss Tim May.

Clark, who toured Pakistan with Australia ‘A’ in late 2005’ said there were no problems with security but wouldn’t be drawn on what he would do if CA gave green light. “I really can’t say until I hear from ACA and CA. Once again I’m going to have to look at that report and see what it says. I can’t commit either way at the moment.”

The ICC delegation spent Thursday in New Zealand, meeting with Black Caps players and officials. Another delegation, headed by ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, is now in London meeting with players from England and South Africa.—Agencies