Pakistan to take part in ICC Champions Trophy

Lahore, July 19 (UNI) Allaying fears that Pakistan might reconsider its participation in the ICC Champions Trophy following the July 11 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, the PCB has reaffirmed its commitment to play the tournament to be staged in India in October-November.

''PCB and BCCI enjoy cordial relationship. We are committed to play in the ICC Champions Trophy in India,'' Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director Abbas Zaidi said.

Earlier, a section of media quoted PCB director of operations Saleem Altaf saying that Pakistan would voice concern over its players' safety in India with the ICC.

''The safety of the players is the most important issue and we would take all possible steps to ensure their security,'' Altaf was quoted as saying by 'The News'.

However Zaidi said the security issue, if any, would be decided by both the governments.

''I don't foresee any change in our plans to play in the ICC Champions Trophy. We are fully committed to it,'' Zaidi said.

UNI XC DH RN1940