Under threat

Be prepared people, it looks like the Champion’s Trophy of 2008 may be a no show.

With the tournament scheduled for later in the year, and with the country having already lost the right to host World Number One side Australia for a tour there, Pakistan is no in trouble of losing the prestigious ICC tournament due to security concerns.

Andrew Symonds, the Australian all-rounder, has made it clear he will not go to Pakistan despite fellow Australians Shane Watson and Nathan Hauritz confirming their availability.

And New Zealand may not even send a full strength side, with reports from New Zealand Player’s Association executive manager Heath Mills that several players approached him with a flat refusal to tour the troubled country.

A decision is set to be reached on the issue sometime this week, with a review of an independent security consultant to come under close scrutiny.

The ICC’s stance has not been fully confirmed, although they have expressed doubts over the abilities of either Pakistan or its original reserve venue, Sri Lanka, to control recent problems.

Pakistan desperately needs this tournament in order for its cricket to survive. Amid another drugs controversy involving Mohammad Asif, the exploits of Shoaib Ahktar, and the cancellation and rescheduling of the Australian tour, this is one they really need.

More to follow……