FICA worried over Pak security situation ahead of Champions Trophy

Sydney, Jun 17 (UNI) Expressing concerns over the unstable security situation in Pakistan, the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) has cast doubts over the troubled South Asian country's ability to host the ICC Champions Trophy.

''FICA is very concerned about the inherent risks of holding such an event in Pakistan in such a landscape of unrest and volatility and opposition to Western countries,'' FICA chief executive Tim May said.

''FICA is not alone in its concern regarding holding this event in Pakistan, compounded by the timing of the event in terms of the religious celebration of Ramadan and the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York,'' he added.

FICA will commission its own independent report in conjunction with players' associations from the competing countries, including the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), which should be completed within a fortnight.

Cricket Australia (CA) and the ACA also have the ICC's confidential security report but will combine to commission another separate security report specific to Australia.

CA will raise aspects of the ICC's security assessment during ICC meetings of Test country chief executives and the executive board in Dubai on June 29.

The unstable security situation in Pakistan has been a constant cause for worry and has cast a shadow over the upcoming Champions Trophy which is due to start on September 11 with several countries fearing for the safety of their players.

UNI XC AB HT1317