A final decision over whether Pakistan is still a safe venue for September's Champions Trophy was delayed yesterday until later this week amid persistent security concerns.
The International Cricket Council said fears were raised about potential security threats marring the tournament during a briefing for the eight participating countries, player representatives and broadcasters.
The September 11-28 tournament will proceed in Pakistan for now, but the ICC Board must decide this week whether to move the one-day international tournament featuring the top eight teams in the world.
The ICC's security consultants delivered yesterday's briefing in Dubai based on arrangements for the recently completed Asia Cup in Pakistan. At the same meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board detailed its safety plans.
"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 ICC said in a statement.
"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."
Host cities
In one recent high-profile incident, a suicide bombing on July 7 killed 15 people in Karachi, one of the host cities, along with Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Defending champion Australia postponed a tour of Pakistan in March after several bomb attacks in the wake of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination in December, and several Australian and New Zealand players have already indicated they may pull out of the tournament rather than play in Pakistan.
The Australian, British and New Zealand governments advise citizens against visiting Pakistan.
India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and host Pakistan are also taking part.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily July 21, 2008)