Ponting relishing Champions Trophy

Ricky Poting is confident Australia can retain the ICC Trophy

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is relishing his side's upcoming Champions Trophy campaign as they seek to retain their crown in Pakistan this September.

It has been reported that several Australia players could possibly refuse to go to Pakistan, a stance reminiscent of the team’s decision to postpone their tour there earlier this year for security reasons.

However Ponting is looking forward to the competition and is relishing giving younger players a taste of one-day international cricket.

“We are particularly focused on performing well this year in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and I am excited by the prospect of some new Australian players having the opportunity to be tested against the world’s best 50-over players,” he said.

“Competition is always tough in this tournament and we are expecting a great challenge again in Pakistan in September.”

Prior to the formal launch of the tournament in Lahore, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson warned teams would face sanctions if they fail to take part despite assurances on security.

The ICC is expected to take a final decision on Pakistan hosting the tournament at the executive meeting on June 29.

However, the ratification process seems a formality with ICC president Ray Mali already endorsing the tournament in Pakistan.

Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik is hoping to lead his country to victory on home turf.

“This is the biggest cricket event to come to Pakistan in more than a decade,” he said. “I am sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere for all the games and that the people of Pakistan will make it a happy and memorable event.

“It is my dream to captain my country to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil.

“The new format of the event should mean that there are lots of exciting matches, especially as I don’t think there is much separating many of the teams in ODI cricket at the moment.”