25 Jul 2008

NZ cricket players oppose Pakistan trip

3:31 pm on 25 July 2008

The New Zealand Cricket Players Association will recommend the Black Caps do not go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy tournament in September.

The International Cricket Council has decided to keep September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite security concerns.

The council had discussed the possibility of moving the tournament after Australia, England and New Zealand led calls for a switch of venue to ensure player safety, because of bomb attacks in Pakistan over the past several months.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf told a news conference the ICC decided to a special task force visit Pakistan and ensure all the security requirements and recommendations made by the council's security consultants are implemented for the tournament.

The task force is to report on security by 10 August, with some countries likely to reserve their decision about participation in the tournament until then.

New Zealand Cricket Players Association executive manager Heath Mills says the ICC's decision is very disappointing.

He says there have already been thorough security checks, and it is clear that it is not safe to travel in Pakistan at the moment.

The eight-team tournament will be held from 11-28 September with games scheduled in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.