SYDNEY, Aug 3: Respected Australian cricket umpire Simon Taufel has expressed confidence over the security situation in Pakistan, saying that he will officiate in the Champions Trophy in September if selected.

Taufel, the three-time ICC umpire of the year, has been to Pakistan on 10 occasions, most recently in June, when he stood in seven games of the Asia Cup.

“There are no guarantees in any area of life,” Taufel told the Sunday Herald. “In all my experiences there, the Pakistan people have been friendly and hospitable. Everything is absolutely first class.

“They make a huge effort in the security stakes. At no stage have I felt worried, in danger or threatened in Pakistan,” he said. “If I’m selected to be an umpire, I will not hesitate to go.”

Taufel’s comments come in the wake of fears that members of the Australian team could opt out of the Champions Trophy.

Ricky Ponting had indicated in June that his team-mates were uneasy over touring, while Andrew Symonds was not convinced about player safety.

However, the players are expected to take their final calls after security briefings by Cricket Australia.—Agencies