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| | GEO Sports | | Players to get "presidential" level of Champions Trophy security | Updated at: 0337 PST, Wednesday, August 20, 2008
 LONDON: Players will receive a "presidential" level of security for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, British media quoted International Cricket Council officials as telling the England squad on Tuesday.
The issue of England's participation in the tournament, due to start on September 12 in Pakistan, was discussed at an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) meeting, with the ICC insisting the event would be able to go ahead as planned without recourse to a different venue.
Security fears have prompted New Zealand and Australia to cast doubts about competing despite their players also meeting with high-ranking figures from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's world governing body.
England players had met with ICC representatives Sunday night to discuss their fears about travelling.
Media reports said officials had told the players security would be as high as for a visiting head of state, seeking to allay fears that Pervez Musharraf's resignation as president would add to the uncertainty.
A decision on whether England will indeed travel is due to be made by Thursday.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat insisted: "It is what our security advisors describe as a presidential level of security, what would be rolled out for any head of state that is visiting the country. That is the extent of the measure we have in place.
"At this moment in time there is no discussion about a late move. Until members' boards or participating teams clearly indicate their view, as far as we are concerned the tournament will progress in Pakistan.
"The tournament is going ahead, the teams have not withdrawn and we expect the best teams to participate. |  |
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