PCB chief says Pak cricket grounds as safe as anywhere in the world

In the wake of reports that the ICC was mulling over shifting the Champions Trophy (to be played in September) outside Pakistan, PCB chief Nasim Ashraf has claimed that cricket grounds in Pakistan were as safe as anywhere in the world, and said that cricket fans in his country were looking forward to the tournament.

Islamabad, July 11 : In the wake of reports that the ICC was mulling over shifting the Champions Trophy (to be played in September) outside Pakistan, PCB chief Nasim Ashraf has claimed that cricket grounds in Pakistan were as safe as anywhere in the world, and said that cricket fans in his country were looking forward to the tournament.

"Cricket grounds are as safe in Pakistan as anywhere else in the world. People love to watch players in action here and every cricket enthusiast is looking forward to see Champions Trophy being held here," The News quoted him as saying.

The PCB chief said he agreed with ICC safety precautions.

"PCB and ICC both believe that it is the players' safety that is of prime importance. The PCB, with the help of the government, has taken concrete measures to look after the security of the participating teams," he added before leaving for London last evening to meet the parties interested in sponsoring the Pakistan Premier League (PPL).

ANI