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 MALIKPakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board for their ensure the Champions Trophy remained in Pakistan. Pakistan were awarded the Champions Trophy in 2006, but several players from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England had voiced concerns over security. The Boards of the four countries had wanted the tournament to be shifted out of Pakistan. But the International Cricket Council, after evaluating security measures and reviewing reports from independent security experts, finally announced on Thursday that the tournament would be held as scheduled (September 11 to 28) in Pakistan. "We always believed that our country is safe for playing cricket," Malik said in The News. "I give full credit to the PCB for fighting their case with conviction." He said Pakistan would ensure the tournament is held in the best atmosphere. "The people of Pakistan will now have the chance to witness some of the best players in the world perform. We will combine our efforts with the PCB and the government to make this tournament a great success," he added. The England and Wales Cricket Board, New Zealand and Cricket Australia have said they would be forced to send second-string teams if the tournament was held in Pakistan. But Malik urged players not to opt out of the tournament. "I call on all the leading players to come to Pakistan, play here and enjoy our hospitality. We will look after every player," he said. |