PCB using diplomatic network to get teams to Pak

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Faced with the prospect of a boycott by top international players, the Pakistan Cricket Board has sought the government's assistance to convince teams reluctant to travel to Pakistan for next month's Champions trophy about the security situation in the country.

PCB Sources said backdoor diplomacy was now being used to convince Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa that they had nothing to worry about playing in Pakistan.

"Efforts are on to assure these countries and their boards that they would be provided top level security arrangements and cover for the Champions Trophy and they should tour Pakistan on schedule," one source said.

The four countries and their players associations are reluctant to send teams for the eight-nation event starting September 12 due to the prevailing uncertainty over law and order and the political scenario in Pakistan.

All four have said they will take final decisions on playing in the tournament after consulting the special task force of the International Cricket Council which will visit Pakistan analyse the security arrangements and meet with top officials to discuss preparations for the event.

"The relevant ministry is assisting the board and is doing what it can to assure the worried countries they should tour Pakistan as no terrorist event has ever hit a cricket match in the country," one source said.

He said the board has sought help after getting strong feelers that all these four or some of them might not send teams to Pakistan.

"The board and even the ICC is confident 75 to 80 per cent of the top players will agree to play in Pakistan for their teams," the source said.