We cannot force teams to play - ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force teams to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September, chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. "All we can do is make them (the players) confident about the measures taken in regard to safety...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force teams to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September, chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"All we can do is make them (the players) confident about the measures taken in regard to safety and security and on that basis hope they participate," Lorgat said in a statement.

"That is the reason we are putting together a task team inviting all the main stakeholders, including FICA (international players' association), so the process is inclusive."

The ICC's executive board confirmed that the eight-nation tournament would be held in Pakistan despite security concerns raised by Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa.

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