ICC postpones decision on CT venue

Dubai, Jul 20 (UNI) After failing to reach a decision on the venue of the Champions Trophy in today's security briefing here, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will come to a conclusion after its executive board meeting later this week.

''While there was recognition the Pakistan Cricket Board (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 Champions Trophy,'' the statement added. ''Until or unless the Board decides otherwise, the tournament will proceed in Pakistan.'' Today's briefing was provided by the ICC's security consultants, who had studied arrangements made for the Asia Cup which ended this month, with the PCB also outlining its security plans. The representatives of all the eight participating countries, host broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports and players' representatives were present on the occasion.

England, Australia and New Zealand have voiced concerns after a series of bombings in Pakistan over the past several months.

If Pakistan is found unfit to host the Champions Trophy - scheduled to begin on September 11 - the event may be shifted to either Sri Lanka or South Africa with England being talked about as a possible option.

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