August 22, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 19, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 21: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday said it is likely to make a final decision on the ill-fated Champions Trophy in Pakistan on Sunday.

The eight-nation biennial event, scheduled to be held from Sept 12 to 28, has run into serious doubts after players from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England raised security concerns.

“It is anticipated the ICC task team hook-up will take place on Friday, Aug 22 and the ICC Board hook-up will be held on Sunday, Aug 24,” said an ICC press release after a meeting at headquarters in Dubai.

The meeting was held a day after Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) urged its players not to tour the country following a wave of suicide bombings and ongoing political instability.

The ICC last month decided to keep the event in Pakistan despite security fears. It also appointed an eight-man task force to oversee security arrangements in the host country in an effort to allay fears about safety.

But Australian newspapers have since reported that the ACA had advised its players not to travel to Pakistan.

“The ACA has discussed the situation with its executive and our position is we can’t recommend to our players they should tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” chief executive Paul Marsh was quoted as saying by The Australian.

Meanwhile, Tony Irish, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) chief executive, said the South African team had their doubts over their safety after going through a number of security assessment reports, including that of ICC’s official security consultant.

He added that he would raise these concerns during the task force’s meeting on Friday.

“We remain concerned about the security situation in Pakistan,” he said. “Our board is meeting with the ICC on Friday, and I will be present at that meeting to convey our concerns.”

Irish further said the security report submitted by Reg Dickason, an independent security consultant would not be considered as he was engaged only by the players’ associations of Australia, New Zealand and England. But Irish suggested the South African players, who are currently touring England, remain sceptical after evaluating separate assessments by the ICC, FICA and the South African government.

Defending champions Australia, England, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and the West Indies will take part in the Champions Trophy.—Agencies