August 23, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 20, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 22: England, Australia and New Zealand are expected to join South Africa and withdraw from next month’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said on Friday.

Naghmi said the trio were likely to follow the lead taken by South Africa, who withdrew on Friday from the eight-nation tournament scheduled from Sept 12 to 28 due to security concerns.“Four countries have now decided against coming to Pakistan. I probably shouldn’t bracket the other three (England, Australia and New Zealand) with South Africa as they have yet to announce their decisions but from what we are hearing they will probably do the same,” Naghmi told Reuters by telephone.

“We already know they have expressed their apprehensions.”

Earlier, Naghmi said he was disappointed with South Africa’s decision.

“Rescheduling is a problem because of the tight international calendar involving all teams and every board is aware of this. And we have been preparing very hard to make the Champions Trophy a safe and successful event,” he stated.

“South Africa’s decision is all the more disappointing for us because they came to Pakistan last year and were satisfied with the level of security we provided them on the tour,” Naghmi added.

“We shifted a match from Karachi to Lahore on one occasion to ensure best security for them. Pakistan cricket has been going out its way since 9/11 to accommodate and ensure touring teams are given state level security.

“The ICC is trying hard to assure all teams that conditions are safe to play in Pakistan and a teleconference of the executive board is to be held on Sunday. South Africa should have waited until then,” he expressed.

However, former Test captain Javed Miandad said two bomb attacks, which killed 67 people in Wah on Thursday, had sent all the wrong messages to teams already reluctant to play in Pakistan because of security concerns.

“These attacks could not have come at a worse time and I think other teams like Australia, New Zealand and England will also now take South Africa’s line. Pakistan should now try to ensure they are not deprived of hosting rights,” he said.—Reuters

Our Sports Reporter adds from Lahore: The PCB has expressed its disappointment over Cricket South Africa decision.

A PCB spokesman, soon after CSA announcement on Friday, after meeting with the ICC’s task force said South Africa was one of the big teams of the cricket world, adding its non-participation would affect the attraction of the premier event.

“They have taken the decision in haste as the ICC is going to hold another teleconference on the issue on Sunday,” the spokesman said.

“We are confident over our security arrangements made for the tournament and also invite all the cricketing nations to check it personally.”