Champions Trophy boycott looms over security fears

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A boycott of the September Champions Trophy loomed on Friday, a day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to retain Pakistan as the venue despite safety concerns by many teams.

The ICC said the September 11-28 event will not be shifted despite concerns by England, Australia, New Zealand and South African boards, prompting player representatives to warn players against travelling to Pakistan.

That raised a serious possibility that some of the teams could pull out or field depleted teams, diluting the event rated as second in importance only to the one-day World Cup.

Australia and New Zealand players were advised by their players' associations on Friday not to travel to Pakistan, after the South African players' body expressed dismay at the ICC move.

The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) said concerns remained for the safety of their players and they would recommend not travelling.

"The ACA continues to have serious concerns with our players touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and we are disappointed with the ICC," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said in a statement.

PLAYER CONSULTATIONS

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it would discuss the issue with its players before taking any decision. The final squads list for the eight-team event will have to be submitted by mid-August.