Dubai, July 21 : Cricketers were warned on Sunday that their security cannot be guaranteed in Pakistan during September's Champions Trophy with the ICC delaying a final decision on the tournament venue until later this week.

The International Cricket Council said fears were raised about potential security threats during a briefing for the eight participating countries, player representatives and broadcasters.

"If it was up to player representatives, they would prefer not to be in Pakistan because of the environmental or external risks," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"They have got concerns because no guarantees, as far as safety and security are concerned, can be given by the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), the ICC or security consultants.

"We can do everything in our power to secure and safeguard officials, but we can never issue guarantees," The News quoted Lorgat, as saying.

With Sri Lanka, the designated alternative venue for the tournament, also facing renewed violence between Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops, South Africa and England have been mooted as potential replacements for the event.

ANI