August 20, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 17, 1429

LONDON, Aug 19: Next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan will be cancelled rather than relocated if security and safety conditions deteriorate significantly, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said on Tuesday.

England, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand officials and players have expressed concerns about security in Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been suggested as a possible alternative for the eight-team one-day tournament starting on Sept. 12.

“I think the time has passed,” Lorgat told Reuters on a visit to London to discuss security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). “I think we have got to a position where it is very difficult to do it at a level which we are used to.”

Earlier, Lorgat told a news conference at a hotel near Lord’s after a morning meeting with the ECB that there had been a lot of speculation about security in Pakistan.

“As far as the ICC is concerned the safety and security is satisfactory,” he said. “We certainly feel confident about the safety and security aspect of the tournament. The onus is on us to convince all those who have different perceptions.

“The teams have not withdrawn and we expect the best teams to participate. I would like to think the member boards would not send weakened sides because no life is lesser than another.”

Lorgat said he had spoken to members of the England one-day side on Sunday and would travel to his native South Africa this week for further talks. An ICC task force has visited Australia and New Zealand.

He also said the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Monday had made no difference to the ICC’s position. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf, who had been appointed by Musharraf, resigned shortly afterwards.

“The advice we have got on the current situation is that the status quo remains unchanged - if anything it’s a step in the right direction,” Lorgat said.

Players will receive a “presidential” level of security for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, British media quoted the ICC officials as telling the England squad on Tuesday.

Media reports said officials had told the players security would be as high as for a visiting head of state. A decision on whether England will indeed travel is due to be made by Thursday.

Lorgat insisted: “It is what our security advisors describe as a presidential level of security, what would be rolled out for any head of state that is visiting the country. That is the extent of the measure we have in place.

England skipper Kevin Pietersen had said Monday evening he was pleased England’s players had been given the chance to put forward their views and said he believed the ECB “will take them into account when they make the big decision.”—Agencies