Sri Lanka says 'yes' to Champions Trophy

Colombo, Aug 22 (UNI) With several players reluctant to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka, the alternate nation for the ICC event, today said it was ''ready to hold the tournament'' even at short notice.

''We are ready to hold the Champions Trophy as we are the alternate venue for the tournament,'' Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chief Executive Duleep Mendis said.

''We are in a position to hold the Champions Trophy as Sri Lanka is the alternate venue for the ICC event,'' he added.

The meeting on Wednesday at the ICC's offices in Dubai will discuss the preparations for the Champions Trophy.

After defending champion Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand raised concerns over touring Pakistan due to the security situation, the event, which is scheduled from September 11 to 28, is facing an uncertain future.

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