Champions Trophy row: Aus, NZ players advised to pull out

Aus and NZ players have been advised not to travel to Pak for the tournament, opening prospect of a possible boycott.

Australia and New Zealand players have been advised not to travel to Pakistan for this year’s Champions Trophy, opening the prospect of a possible boycott of the international one-day tournament.

The players’ unions of both countries joined their South African counterparts in expressing their disappointment at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision on Thursday not to move the tournament to another venue.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) said concerns remained for the safety of their players and they would recommend not travelling to Pakistan to compete in the September event, regarded as second only in importance to the World Cup.

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“The ACA continues to have serious concerns with our players touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and we are disappointed with the ICC,” ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said in a statement on Friday.

“We are seeking clarity on the purpose and role of the proposed task force, so we are unable to comment on it at this stage.

“Based on the independent information and advice received, we maintain that the risks are simply too great for the ACA to recommend that our players tour Pakistan at this time.”

Several leading Australian players have also expressed reservations about visiting Pakistan. Earlier this year, Australia postponed their planned tour of the country because of similar security fears.

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Cricket Australia (CA) said player safety remained their primary concern and they would continue to liaise closely with players and government officials before making a decision.

TALKS PLANNED

“The fundamental principle driving our eventual decision will be based on our commitment to not sending players or players officials to anywhere that is not safe,” CA general manager Peter Young said.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he was also planning talks with their players’ union after New Zealand Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills warned players not to travel.

“We believe this is a poor ICC decision,” Mills told New Zealand radio.

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“We can’t see how they have put player safety as their number one priority and this is very disappointing.

“Our recommendation to our players is not to travel to Pakistan at this point in time.

“There isn’t one player I have spoken to who is comfortable about travelling to Pakistan at the moment.”

On Thursday, the ICC voted to proceed with plans to stage the Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite concerns from four of the competing eight nations, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England.

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Pakistan has been hit by a series of suicide bombings this year but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials say their country is safe to tour.

They received strong support from India at Thursday’s vote although the ICC did agree to appoint a special task force to visit the country and ensure the proper security arrangements are in place.

The Champions Trophy has been held five times previously. Australia won the last tournament in India two years ago while New Zealand won in Kenya in 2000.