Players concerns will also be addressed, says Ashraf

LAHORE - Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has said that the concerns of all, especially the players, will be addressed when International Cricket Council's Task Force headed by its chairman David Morgan visits the country to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of its security experts.
"The security assessment of the earlier delegates has found the arrangements satisfactory and A grade and now there is only players concern and that would also be addressed," said he.
The decision of the ICC board leave an impression that the event would not be shifted to any other country if the security situation does not worsen.
The eight-nation Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan's three major cities - Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi next month.
Addressing a crowded press conference here on Thursday, the PCB chairman said that the ICC's Task Force consisting of eight members will work with all the stakeholders to reexamine the security plan of Pakistan and its implementation during the final of the Asia Cup.
He said that a lengthy and detailed discussion on all the security reports was held and the concerns of FICA, broadcasters and other stakeholders was taken into account for further study of the situation.
"There was a great discussion with unity on cricket and all the members showed consensus on holing the event in Pakistan.
"I can assure that Pakistan is safe place to hold sporting events and it stays as the ICC Champions Trophy venue till the Task Force visit Pakistan and study the security plan and assess its implementation undertaken during the Asia Cup final at Karachi."
He further said that they will visit all the venues and hold detailed briefings from the government, security, PCB and interior ministry officials.
"The holding of the Champions Trophy is crucial for the ICC as well as Pakistan," he added.