The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Champions Trophy venue: final decision expected today

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Champions Trophy venue: final decision expected today

Special Correspondent

Chennai: The ICC is expected to take a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy on Thursday. The ICC will hold a tele-conference with the various parties, including representatives of the various boards and broadcasters, before concluding whether Pakistan stays as the venue or not.

Cricketers from Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand have raised questions on the security situation in the country. Sri Lanka — the official alternate host — or South Africa could be asked to stage the event if it is shifted from Pakistan.

Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday, BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah said he saw no problem in Pakistan conducting the Champions Trophy. “Only recently, the Asia Cup was held successfully in Pakistan. During last Sunday’s meeting in Dubai to discuss the issue, a senior official from Pakistan explained the security measures that would be in place before and during the tournament. The ICC team which visited Pakistan for the purpose has not said anything adverse.”

Mr. Shah continued, “Yes, certain players and certain Players’ associations have apprehensions. Apparently, they engaged their own security agency for the purpose. I would say that if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, there could be a problem in any country. I personally believe that this is an issue that should be decided by the various boards and not by the players or their representatives.”

The BCCI Secretary said that BCCI’s President-elect Shashank Manohar would represent the board during Thursday’s tele-conference.

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