Pakistan upbeat over hosting Trophy

Nasim Ashraf says Pakistan are capable of hosting this year's Champions Trophy

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Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf is confident the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan ahead of an International Cricket Council meeting on Thursday to decide the issue.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be staged from September 11 to 28, but doubts remain over security in the country.

ICC officials, members of the participating boards and representatives of TV channel ESPN-Star reviewed security arrangements for the tournament on Sunday.

The ICC will make a decision on the venue on Thursday, when the board meet in Dubai.

"The ICC will have a teleconference meeting on Thursday to take a final decision," Ashraf said.

"We are confident that the ICC will take the right decision and keep the tournament in Pakistan. It is very important for Pakistan cricket.

"We are in touch with all the participating boards and we are trying to assure them that all possible security precautions are being put into place for the Champions Trophy and it is safe to play in Pakistan."

The ICC, however, has stated that safety and security of players would be paramount and would not be compromised.

"We have maintained, we would not compromise on safety and security of players," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

"We are trying our best to hold the tournament as per schedule and hope that it is not postponed.”

Lorgat added that, while every precaution was being taken to ensure the safety of players, no guarantees could be given.

He said: "There have been concerns because no guarantees, as far as safety and security are concerned, can be given by the PCB, the ICC or security consultants.

"We need to do everything in our power to secure and safeguard officials, but we can never issue guarantees."

The ICC revealed it would need the votes of seven full members to move the tournament away from Pakistan.