South Africa dismayed by ICC Champions Trophy decision

Thu, Jul 24 09:45 PM

By Ken Borland

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision on Thursday to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan was met with dismay by South Africa's team.

The ICC had earlier discussed the troubled security situation in Pakistan and decided the tournament would go ahead there in September, despite reservations expressed by players from New Zealand, Australia and England.

The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) said they shared those concerns and would seek an urgent meeting with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to discuss the situation.

"The South African team are very disappointed with today's decision and remain extremely concerned about safety and security in Pakistan," Tony Irish, chief executive officer of SACA, told Reuters on Thursday.

"We hope Cricket South Africa will sit down with us and talk to us about whether they are seriously considering sending a team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan or not," Irish said.

CSA had said Pakistan should be given "every opportunity to host the tournament to the best of their ability".

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