Australian players urged to pullout of Champions Trophy

SYDNEY: Australia's cricketers should pull out of September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite a decision to go ahead with the tournament, the players' association said on Friday.

The Australian Cricketers' Association said that the security risks of travelling to troubled Pakistan were too great, and it would advise its cricketers against playing in the biennial event.

The International Cricket Council decided on Thursday to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan but said it will appoint a commission to ensure security.

The ICC's executive board held a teleconference to discuss the possibility of moving the premier tournament because of security fears raised by Australia, England and New Zealand.

But the ACA said despite the ICC's measures, it will maintain its recommendation to Australia's cricketers not to play in Pakistan.

"The ACA continues to have serious concerns with our players touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and we are disappointed with the ICC's decision," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said in a statement.

"We are seeking clarity on the purpose and role of the proposed task force, so we are unable to comment on it at this stage. Based on the independent information and advice received, we maintain that the risks are simply too great for the ACA to recommend that our players tour Pakistan at this time."

"We would expect Cricket Australia to adopt the same position," he said. The year's biggest One-day tournament, featuring the top eight One-day nations, is due to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28, with Australia as the defending champions.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat sought to allay fears players might pull out of the event, saying the council would do all in its power to ensure their safety.

But Marsh said the ICC's decision was not a good outcome for cricket. "If it (the tournament) continues in Pakistan at this volatile time, unfortunately many of the world's best players won't participate, which is not a good outcome for cricket," he said.

Cricket Australia, which makes the final decision on whether to take part in the tournament, was expected to make a statement later on Friday.

Australia postponed a full tour of Pakistan in March-April this year due to the security situation. However, they agreed to reschedule the tour in two visits, ODIs in 2009 and Tests in 2010.