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Cricket

ICC to launch Pakistan security probe

07/07/2008

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that a security investigation is to be launched in Pakistan ahead of September's Champions Trophy tournament.

Fears over the safety of the eight competing sides have increased in recent months amid political unrest in the country and a spate of terrorist attacks on civilian targets.

It has even been suggested by officials that the tournament could be switched to another host country because the ICC is keen to allay concerns about the safety of the players and those associated with the teams.

At the ICC's annual conference, chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The ICC will not compromise the safety and security of any individual at one of its tournaments and if it is not appropriate to play in any country then we will not do so.

"Our security consultants have been working with the Pakistan authorities during the Asia Cup, assessing security, and will report back as soon as possible with their views."

The security probe will involve "an exchange of information between the competing teams, the ICC and the security consultants", Mr Lorgat continued, although the board are still determined for Pakistan to host the event.

"At this stage we are working towards the ICC Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan in September," he added.