Senator questions Ashraf's assurance over CT

Lahore, Jul 27 (UNI) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Nasim Ashraf is confident that this September's Champions Trophy will be held here as per schedule, however, one of his biggest critics is not too sure.

Senator Enver Baig, member of the Senate Committee on Sports that has probed national cricket matters in recent times, yesterday raised a question mark on Ashraf's assurance over the Champions Trophy saying he is concerned over ''conflicting reports'' coming from various part of the cricket world.

''Conflicting reports are coming out through which it has become clear that many players from Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa may boycott the Champions Trophy,'' Baig said.

''On the other hand the PCB chairman (Ashraf) has been saying that the Champions Trophy will be successfully hosted in Pakistan.

''There is great ambiguity between what he (Ashraf) has been saying and the reports about the players concerns,'' the Senator said.

Several top players from Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa have raised security concerns about playing in Pakistan.

Baig said it was difficult for him to comprehend ''a successful Champions Trophy taking place in Pakistan without leading world cricketers''.

''I hope that Nasim Ashraf doesnt goof up in the end,'' he said.

''I hope that the PCB chairman gives a clear assurance to the people of Pakistan that the champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan in September.

''Because he will be held accountable in case the tournament is not played here,'' Baig concluded.

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