'I found Pakistan a safe place'

2008-06-27 11:21

Pakistan - Former South African all-rounder Mike Procter said on Friday he saw no reason why Pakistan cannot host the Champions Trophy in September, describing security measures as "fantastic".

Procter, who is here as an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee for the ongoing Asia Cup, made the comments after players from Australia, New Zealand and England raised concerns.

"I see no reason why Pakistan should not host the Champions Trophy. I found Pakistan a safe place and have been here twice this year," Procter, who is overseeing Asia Cup Group A matches, said.

"This is my personal opinion and I don't know that the Australians have to say... (but) I was here in March and I am here in June and I found security arrangements to be fantastic," said Procter.

"The foreign umpires who have been with me during the Asia Cup also felt very safe and I would love to come to Pakistan for the future events whenever I get appointments."

ICC board meetings start on June 29 in Dubai, where an independent security report on the situation in Pakistan will be discussed before a final decision on the Champions Trophy is taken.

Suicide blasts

Australian captain Ricky Ponting last week said his side and others still had security concerns about Pakistan, and Australia were undecided about competing.

Australia earlier this year postponed a Test and one-day tour of Pakistan in the wake of a series of suicide blasts.

Procter was also in Pakistan when New Zealand had to cut short a tour in May 2002 following a suicide bombing outside the team hotel which killed 14 people, including 11 French naval staff.

Procter said times had changed.

"It was a different situation then, it was a suicide bomb blast, even at that time the security was the best. We are more conscious about it now as the situation around the world since 9/11 has become volatile," he said.

After those blasts Pakistan had their two home series relocated to the neutral venues of Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates - first against the West Indies and then versus Australia.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has said it is confident of hosting the Trophy as government has assured top level security during the event.

Titleholders Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, the West Indies and Sri Lanka are all set to compete.

- AFP