July 19, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1429

COLOMBO, July 18: Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) Interim Committee chief Arjuna Ranatunga on Friday backed Pakistan as hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy despite the security concerns expressed by some of the participating teams.

The eight-nation tournament is due to be held in Pakistan from Sept 11 to 28, featuring Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka besides hosts Pakistan.

The ICC has called for an emergency meeting with the officials of the participating teams, security experts, official broadcasters and representatives of International Cricketers’ Association at their headquarters in Dubai on Sunday.

Ranatunga, the former World Cup-winning captain, said Sri Lanka had no concerns over playing in Pakistan.

“We have no problem. Pakistan hosted six teams very well recently at the Asia Cup and I was there for the final. It was very well organised,” Ranatunga, who led his team to win against Australia in the 1996 World Cup final, stated.

“As far as we are concerned, the championship is still in Pakistan,” added Ranatunga. “But we have been told to be on standby mode.”—Agencies