Boycott threat to Champions Trophy

5:23am Saturday 26th July 2008

Title-holders Australia could join New Zealand and possibly England in pulling out of September's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The England and Wales Cricket Board may announce as early as today what their plans are following "extensive discussions" with senior players, after the International Cricket Council confirmed on Thursday they would hold the tournament in the country despite ongoing fears over security.

Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Paul Marsh has cast serious doubt over the likelihood of Australia participating, and South Africa were also opposed to the ICC's decision, while New Zealand counterpart Heath Mills added: "There is no way that we could recommend to the players that they travel to Pakistan at this point in time."

Despite officials from the host country insisting they will do everything possible to minimise the threat to participants, British players' chief Sean Morris believes the potential for a hugely under-strength event is very real.

"We've still got some very serious concerns, despite the fact that the Pakistan Cricket Board have made every effort they can to try to make it as safe as possible," Morris, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, told BBC Sport.

"But unfortunately in that part of the world, there are some matters that are beyond anyone's control.

"I think one thing that the England and Wales Cricket Board have said - and something we are very well aligned on - is the one thing you are never going to compromise on is security.

"You may find a world-class event that doesn't feature a large number of world-class players. That would be a real shame for cricket."

A spokesman for the ECB said: "Following the decision of the ICC, the ECB will be having further extensive discussions with a number of key stakeholders - including England players and Team England - to determine our decision.

"Once those discussions are concluded, the ECB will be in a position to make a clear and definitive decision."

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