Champions Trophy 2008

Pakistan delighted at remaining hosts

Cricinfo staff

July 25, 2008

Despite increasing concerns that big-name players from Australia, New Zealand and England could opt out of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PCB is elated at being given the go-ahead to host the second-most important ODI tournament in the ICC's roster.

"It is a huge thing for us," Shafqat Naghmi, the board's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo. "The decision has proved that Pakistan is safe to play cricket in."

The decision is a significant one. Pakistan has suffered from a number of tour pull-outs and venue shifts since 2001, most recently when Australia postponed their March-April tour this year over security fears. There were real concerns that shifting the Champions Trophy away would irreparably damage Pakistan's status as a venue for forthcoming bilateral series as well as, potentially, a co-host of the 2011 World Cup.

"Most concerns various boards had were based on perceptions rather than reality," Naghmi said. "We argued along these lines through all our meetings and talks. We kept saying that things look different when you sit and watch from a distance.

"Players who have toured have realised that in the past. Even a security advisor here for the Asia Cup said he had a hard time chasing down Indian and Sri Lankan players because they were always out and about somewhere."

Naghmi confirmed that the move to retain the venue had received "overwhelming support" at the teleconference held yesterday. "We had good support in there and at least one case where we were not expecting it at all. India of course played a big role in it as has been acknowledged."

The venue finally decided, the focus will now shift swiftly on to who will come and who will not. Players' associations from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England have expressed disappointment at the ICC's decision and it is feared a number of big names might not come. But Naghmi hoped that boycotts and pull-outs can be avoided.

"We believe it is the job of the various boards to talk to the players now," he said. "The task force will be very important. It is there to allay fears and correct wrong perceptions and even a member of FICA is there.

"Importantly, this is now a forum for information to be channelled and discussed. I am very hopeful that most of the big names will come. One or two might not, but most."

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