Withdrawing from Champions Trophy would hurt Australia

Shafqat Naghmi, the Pakistan Cricket Board's chief operating officer, believes Australia would be hurting their own team if they do not take part in the Champions Trophy in September. Australia withdrew from their March tour of the country due to safety and security concerns and Reg Dickason, the side's security consultant, will travel to Pakistan this week to monitor the Asia Cup tournament.

Naghmi said in the Sydney Morning Herald it would be disappointing if Australia did not visit for the Champions Trophy. "They would be hurting their own team," he said. "They have to weigh up their loyalty to their team, or pull out on account of a security concern that I can assure you is unfounded."

Geoff Lawson, the Pakistan coach, has remained in the country and Naghmi said the Australians should follow his lead. "If terrorists had a point to prove, they could have targeted [Lawson] or his Australian staff," Naghmi said. "But this hasn't been the situation, and I don't think sports terrorism is on the list.

"The fans are very disappointed that Australia has not been here for ten years now - especially when England, South Africa and New Zealand have toured - and there is a feeling among them that a lot of the security concerns have been blown out of proportion. That's not to say there is hostility towards them, just disappointment and a little frustration."

Ricky Ponting said in the paper the players "haven't even talked about" the event in Pakistan, although last week he revealed there was some apprehension about the trip. England and New Zealand also have concerns about playing in the Champions Trophy and there have been fears of a significant player boycott. Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a one-day series in 2009 and a Test series in 2010.

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