Pakistan to stage Champions Trophy amid security fears

Pakistan retains int'l cricket tournament despite security concerns.
July25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan finally retained its position as the host of an international cricket event scheduled in September even though doubts persisted over security situations in country, a Pakistani newspaper reported on Friday.
"The Champions Trophy will stay in Pakistan," The News quoted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf as saying after the International Cricket Council (ICC) ended a teleconference in Dubai on Thursday.
The ICC's final decision also ended the speculations that the ICC could move the tournament venue from Pakistan to other countries due to security fears.
The Champions Trophy, the year's biggest one-day tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from Sept. 11 to 28. The tournament involves top eight nations including Pakistan.
However, Australia, England and New Zealand have raised concerns about security situations in Pakistan as the country was fighting against militants in northwestern tribal regions and has seen a spate of suicide attacks over the past year.
The ICC is expected to send security teams to Pakistan to finalize effective plan for the event, The News said.