Malik seeks to allay Champions Trophy security fears

Enlarge Photo Pakistan's Shoaib Malik plays a shot against Sri Lanka during the ninth Asia Cup one-day...

Sun, Jul 20 04:28 PM

KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik on Sunday urged Champions Trophy teams to dispel their concerns about security in Pakistan ahead of September's tournament.

Malik's appeal came as the International Cricket Council (ICC) were due to meet in Dubai to brief participants about security arrangements for the eight-nation contest.

"I have been to most of the test playing nations and other countries where cricket is played and the security foreign teams get in Pakistan is unmatched," Malik told reporters.

"I request all teams to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as the event is very important for us and our people," he added.

Malik said he had no doubt the Champions Trophy in Pakistan would the best since its inception in 1998.

"South Africa, England, India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe they all have toured Pakistan in the last few years without any problems. We also hosted the Asia Cup just now without any problems," Malik said.

Although there are no plans to replace Pakistan as hosts, the ICC have made it clear they would not hesitate to relocate the tournament if there were signs of danger.

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