Inzamam offers to talk to security doubters

KARACHI (AFP) - Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq on Tuesday offered to talk to players considering a boycott of September's Champions Trophy, saying he would help to allay their security concerns.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced last week that the tournament would stay in Pakistan, prompting fears of a boycott by non-Asian countries which opposed the decision.

"If a player has any concern, I am happy to talk to them," Inzamam, who retired from international cricket last year, told AFP.

"As someone who has played at the highest level, I would never advise cricketers to put their lives or careers at stake. But I firmly believe Pakistan is a safe place to play cricket and the players should trust the ICC, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and the Pakistan government," he said.

Defending champions Australia, along with New Zealand and England, have expressed doubts over security arrangements for the September 11-28 tournament, with players associations urging a boycott.

But Inzamam said any pull-out would be damaging, not just for Pakistan, but also for world cricket.