Anzac nations to quit Champions Trophy?

Updated 13.36 Fri Jul 25 2008

Keywords: ACA, ICC, cricket, Champions Trophy

Australia and New Zealand cricket players have been advised not to travel to Pakistan for this year's Champions Trophy, opening the prospect of a possible boycott of the international bi-annual one-day tournament.

The players' unions of both countries joined their South African counterparts in expressing their disappointment at the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision not to move the tournament to another venue.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (EWCB) could follow suit and make an announcement shortly regarding their participation in the tournament.

The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) said concerns remained for the safety of their players and they would recommend not travelling to Pakistan to compete in the September event, regarded as second only in importance to the World Cup.

Should Australia choose to heed the advice and not travel, they would not be able to defend the title they won in 2006, when they overcame the West Indies in the final in the Brabourne Stadium.

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

"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."

Several leading Australian players have also expressed reservations about visiting Pakistan.

Earlier this year, Australia postponed their planned tour of the country because of similar security fears.