Fears grow over Champions Trophy boycott

Despite assurances from the Pakistan board that all is well, there are increasing signs that a number of players are considering boycotting September's ICC Champions Trophy amid fears over their safety.

However, it emerges that England's players are in close contact with their Australian counterparts, and the ICC appears to be facing the real possibility that the tournament, which is far from popular with players and public, could be hit by a wave of boycotts.

New Zealand are also among those watching with interest. Justin Vaughan, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, will fly to London next week to discuss his players' concerns over touring Pakistan for a short ODI series just before the Champions Trophy.