August 19, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 16, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: Pakistan Cricket Board’s outgoing chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has reiterated that the ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan from Sept 12-28 as it is the decision of the ICC Board.

Talking to reporters here on Monday at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport soon after his arrival from US, Dr Ashraf dismissed rumours regarding the shifting of ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan to any other international venue.

“Haroon Lorgat, CEO ICC, has assured us that ICC Champions Trophy will stay in Pakistan,” observed the chairman.

About the recent visit of ICC task force, he said: “The task force was satisfied with the security arrangements made by the board and it was decided that the matches will only be played at Karachi and Lahore,” he added.

The third venue, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, was dropped due to the slow pace of construction work there and the ICC task force decided to hold all the 15 matches of the Champions Trophy in Lahore and Karachi respectively.

When reminded about the persisting reservations from some of the international players, the PCB chief said: “Players who have some security concerns are not aware about the ground realities and the ICC task force is making efforts to convince them on touring Pakistan.”

To a question about the controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar, the chairman said: “We respect the decision of Lahore High Court. However, Shoaib has to pay the fine to play the Champions Trophy.”

Agencies add: Dr Ashraf has told players to stop “grumbling” and described their concerns over the security arrangements for the Champions Trophy as an illogical reaction.

Dr Ashraf told reporters on Monday that neither the ICC nor its member boards would bow to player-pressure demanding the One-day International tournament be moved from Pakistan.

“Everything is set for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and the ICC fully supports our security plans and planning. It is only a few players who are grumbling and their concerns are emotional pressure not based on reasoning or logic,” he said.

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive, is scheduled to address a news conference at Lord’s in London on Tuesday for a final announcement about the fate of the tournament considered second only in importance to the World Cup.

Lorgat has been in Edinburgh and London meeting with English and South African players and officials.

“I would advise these players to not be stubborn and behave sensibly,” the PCB chief said. “They should accept the ICC decision.”