MELBOURNE, Aug 15: Pakistan’s cricket coach Geoff Lawson says the country is safe for the ICC Champions Trophy that is scheduled to be staged next month.

Denying rumours in Pakistan he left after an argument with the selectors and that story of him acting as emissary was a convenient cover-up, Lawson, a former Australia Test paceman, said he was visiting Australia and New Zealand to share his experience of living in Pakistan.

“I am coming at the ICC request to give my personal experiences to the New Zealand and Australian players and officials,” Lawson said.

“I will be telling them why I live in Lahore and why I think it is safe. I wouldn’t be living there if I didn’t think it was safe. I will be letting them know my straightforward and earnest views.”

The ICC pulled out all stops to ensure the Champions Trophy goes ahead. It is under pressure from ESPN Star Sports, which paid more than $1billion for rights to such events.

“As a global broadcast and production partner of the ICC, ESPN Star Sports is committed to produce and broadcast the Champions Trophy in a manner that is truly engaging and entertaining to fans across the globe,” an ESS spokesperson told The Australian.

“We are very hopeful the ICC shall decisively deal with any issues around the event to ensure full and committed participation of all teams in the safest and most secure environment in order to put up a premier event for the benefit of fans across the globe and for cricket.

“The world of cricket is facing issues that need to be resolved with participation of all stakeholders in the sport, including the ICC, as cricket’s international governing body, and its various members,” the spokesperson added.—Agencies