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Pietersen has fears over playing in Champions Trophy

25/07/2008

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has admitted he has fears over travelling to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy in September.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday that the tournament would still be hosted in Pakistan after they recruited a special task force to oversee security at the event.

Pietersen is still unsure if he will play in the Champions Trophy and asked the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) not to "pressure" any players to go.

"I've definitely got reservations - 100% - about going to Pakistan," said Pietersen. "I don't think pressure should be put on any individual, especially when you realise your life could be at risk

"The ECB are coming together (for a meeting) and having spoken to (chief executive) David Collier this morning, he reassured me that the decision will probably be taken out of the players' hands, which is great.

"I really hope the players don't have to take the lead, to be totally honest. But I don't know, we'll see the outcome of that meeting, whatever the decision is.

"If it's taken out of the players' hands then great. If not, then I'll certainly make a decision."

Collier has insisted that the safety of the players would ultimately decide if England take part in the Champions Trophy.

Australia, who refused to travel to Pakistan for a tour earlier this year due to security concerns, have hinted they could boycott the trip and New Zealand have also recommended their players not to travel.