Sport - Cricket

S. Africa to boycott Champions Trophy

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa announced on Friday it would not send a team to the Champions Trophy cricket tournament in Pakistan next month.

South Africa is the first country officially to boycott the tournament. The decision follows a meeting involving Cricket South Africa, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat and ICC security officials.

“After extensive discussions and a frank exchange of views, the board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy,” Cricket SA President Norman Arendse said in a statement.

South African players, through the South Africa Cricketers Association, again expressed “major concerns” about playing in Pakistan.

Cricketers from England, New Zealand and Australia have expressed concerns over security and reluctance to play in Pakistan.

With the ICC finding it tough to convince apprehensive cricketers on touring Pakistan for next month’s Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka on Friday said in Colombo that it was ready to hold the tournament even at a short notice.

“We are ready to hold the Champions Trophy as we are the alternative venue for the tournament,” Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Duleep Mendis said.

SLC officials feel that all the grounds are in good condition as the Indian cricket tour is currently on in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, a meeting took place on Wednesday at the ICC’s offices in Dubai to discuss the preparations for the Champions Trophy. — Agencies

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