 Players' Association warns Black Caps not to tour Pak
25th Jul 2008 11:00 IST
Agencies
New Zealand's top cricketers were urged by their Players' Association not to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, though it fell short of calling for a boycott of the tournament.
"Our recommendation to our players is not to travel to Pakistan at this point in time," association head Heath Mills said in Wellington today.
"There isn't one player I have spoken to who is comfortable about traveling to Pakistan at the moment."
The International Cricket Council decided Thursday to keep the limited-overs tournament in Pakistan, despite security concerns expressed strongly by Australia, England and New Zealand.
ICC Chief executive Haroon Lorgat acknowledged the decision might lead to withdrawals by teams or individuals but said his organization would work hard to allay all security fears.
"Our security advisers are very confident," he said. "We know of no credible threat against the event or any players. The Asia Cup was held recently and there were no incidents. It was a pretty safe event."
New Zealand Cricket has received independent security advice that Pakistan might not be a safe destination during the tournament, which is due to start on September 11. The New Zealand body is likely to await further security advice before finally confirming New Zealand's participation.
Mills said the tournament should not proceed in Pakistan if the ICC was not able to guarantee player safety.
continued.. |
