Source: Cricket 365.com
Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee chief Arjuna Ranatunga on Friday backed Pakistan as hosts of the Champions Trophy despite ongoing security concerns.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28, but several Australian and New Zealand players have said they would not tour despite assurances on safety from the International Cricket Council.

The ICC have called for an emergency meeting with officials of the participating teams, security experts, official broadcasters and representatives of the International Cricketers’ Association at their headquarters on Sunday.

The ICC is expected to take a final decision on whether Pakistan would host the tournament.

Ranatunga said Sri Lanka had no concerns over playing in Pakistan.

“We have no problem in playing in Pakistan,” the former captain said.

“Pakistan hosted six teams very well recently at the Asia Cup and I was there for the final. It was very well organised.”

Sri Lanka were named alternate hosts should the tournament be moved out of Pakistan.

“As far as we are concerned, the Championship is still in Pakistan,” added Ranatunga.

“But we have been told to be on standby mode.”

 E-mail this article to a friend

Tags: champions trophy, Cricket, Interim Committee chief, International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka