South Africa boycott Champions Trophy
Saturday, 23 August 2008
South Africa will not take part in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September because of security fears, reports BBC.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) made the decision, despite assurances from the International Cricket Council, after a meeting with the ICC in Johannesburg.
CSA studied security in Pakistan and plans for the event, along with reports from the South African government.
South African Cricketers' Association CEO Tony Irish said: "This was a difficult decision but the right one."
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive, has previously ruled out a relocation.
Irish added: "There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team."
Players from other participating countries including England, New Zealand and Australia have also expressed reservations about taking part in the tournament, which will be staged between 12 and 28 September.
The ICC task force has travelled to Australia, New Zealand and England in recent weeks to discuss security issues with the national cricketing bodies.
And those countries could now follow South Africa's example by withdrawing from the tournament.
CSA President Advocate Norman Arendse, who will be representing CSA at the ICC executive meeting Sunday, where this issue will again be discussed, said: "After extensive discussions and frank exchange of views, the Board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy.
"We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible."
Sri Lanka are the designated back-up hosts, and further talks about a possible shift in venue are to be held by the ICC before this weekend's meeting.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board have said they will not participate in the Champions Trophy if the tournament is moved to another country, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India has said they support Pakistan hosting the event.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) made the decision, despite assurances from the International Cricket Council, after a meeting with the ICC in Johannesburg.
CSA studied security in Pakistan and plans for the event, along with reports from the South African government.
South African Cricketers' Association CEO Tony Irish said: "This was a difficult decision but the right one."
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive, has previously ruled out a relocation.
Irish added: "There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team."
Players from other participating countries including England, New Zealand and Australia have also expressed reservations about taking part in the tournament, which will be staged between 12 and 28 September.
The ICC task force has travelled to Australia, New Zealand and England in recent weeks to discuss security issues with the national cricketing bodies.
And those countries could now follow South Africa's example by withdrawing from the tournament.
CSA President Advocate Norman Arendse, who will be representing CSA at the ICC executive meeting Sunday, where this issue will again be discussed, said: "After extensive discussions and frank exchange of views, the Board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy.
"We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible."
Sri Lanka are the designated back-up hosts, and further talks about a possible shift in venue are to be held by the ICC before this weekend's meeting.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board have said they will not participate in the Champions Trophy if the tournament is moved to another country, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India has said they support Pakistan hosting the event.