Pakistan get security nod

ICC security consultants are believed to have given a "green signal" to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt (L) and teammate Nasir Jamshed run between the wickets during the Super League Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

MUMBAI // The International Cricket Council (ICC) security consultants Nicholls Steyn & Associates are believed to have given a "green signal" to host the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan. According to the well-placed sources, a second report sent to the ICC and a further presentation of the said report is scheduled to be held in person by one of the directors, Bob Nicholls, in Dubai next week. The security expert is likely to suggest that the country is "safe" for the event to be held in September.

The security consultants have cleared all three venues (Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi) which will be hosting the event, also known as the mini World Cup. The report has been prepared after the recent bomb-blasts in Islamabad and Karachi earlier this month. The outcome of a report, prepared by another consultant, Reg Dickason, employed by Australia, New Zealand and England, is not yet known. However, the ICC will finally decide on the issue in consultation with all cricket boards.

If the event is awarded to Pakistan, the security consultants may be asked to continue to monitor the situation. [e-mail]