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ICC to make Champions Trophy decision this week

20/07/2008

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) executive board will decide this week whether the 2008 Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan amid security fears.

A statement issued by the ICC said that representatives of the eight participating nations, as well as representatives of ESPN Star Sports and various players' agents received a security briefing in Dubai on the situation inside Pakistan.

The briefing - delivered by the ICC’s security consultants - covered arrangements during the recently concluded Asia Cup.

They also heard from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its plans for dealing with security both in the lead-up to and during the ICC Champions Trophy.

Following this briefing, the executive board will assess the situation and decide whether or not the tournament can go ahead in Pakistan.

"While there was recognition the PCB had gone to great lengths to provide a high level of security during the Asia Cup and would do so again during the ICC Champions Trophy, concerns were expressed about the potential for threats beyond the PCB’s control," the statement read.

"These concerns will now be taken to the ICC Board during the course of this week with the Board then arriving at a definitive decision on the location of this year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

"Until or unless the Board decides otherwise, the tournament will proceed in Pakistan."

The ICC Champions Trophy, due to take place in September, involves the top eight ODI sides playing 15 matches in tournament with two groups of four teams, semi-finals and a final.

England, Australia and New Zealand have voiced concerns over safety after bomb attacks in Pakistan over the past several months.

Australia are the defending champions after beating the West Indies in the final of the 2006 event India.