PCB not worried over possible pull-outs
Monday, 28 July 2008
ISLAMABAD, July 27: Nasim Ashraf, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has said he is not worried about the prospect of several international stars skipping the Champions Trophy in the country in September over security fears, according to Cricinfo website.
The ICC on Thursday confirmed that the tournament would stay in the country but players from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and England have reportedly expressed reservations about touring. If players still aren't convinced, cricket boards could be forced to send second-strength teams.
"If some players do not come it would not make any difference," Ashraf told AFP. "It would be their loss to miss a mega event."
Ashraf quoted the example of the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa last year, which was a success despite some senior players, particularly from India, missing out. India, incidentally, went on to win the tournament.
"We have the example of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa last year where some top players did not feature in teams, but the event was still a huge success," said Ashraf.
The ICC on Thursday confirmed that the tournament would stay in the country but players from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and England have reportedly expressed reservations about touring. If players still aren't convinced, cricket boards could be forced to send second-strength teams.
"If some players do not come it would not make any difference," Ashraf told AFP. "It would be their loss to miss a mega event."
Ashraf quoted the example of the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa last year, which was a success despite some senior players, particularly from India, missing out. India, incidentally, went on to win the tournament.
"We have the example of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa last year where some top players did not feature in teams, but the event was still a huge success," said Ashraf.