 South Africa pulls out of Champions Trophy
22nd Aug 2008 23:03 IST
Agencies
South Africa today pulled out of next month's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, citing uncertain security conditions in the strife-torn country.
Cricket South Africa President Norman Arendse said the decision not to send their national team to Pakistan was taken after a detailed discussion with the ICC task team in Johannesburg.
While Australia, New Zealand and England have also expressed concern over the volatile security situation in Pakistan, South Africa became the first team to officially pull out of the tournament.
"After extensive discussions and frank exchange of views, the Board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy," Arendse said in Durban.
"We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible," he added.
A full presentation was made by the task team, led by ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, on the security situation in Pakistan and the security plans for the event.
Arendse said the decision was taken after assessment of the presentation as well as the information available from a number of other security reports, including one from the South African government.
Arendse will be representing CSA at the ICC Executive Board meeting on Sunday, where this issue will again be discussed.
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