South Africa boycott ICC Champions Trophy

August 23, 2008

It had long looked unlikely that the ICC Champions Trophy would be taking place in Pakistan next month, but South Africa’s withdrawal on security grounds yesterday left plans for the tournament in disarray, only three weeks before the opening game.

South Africa announced on Friday it would not send a team to the Champions Trophy cricket tournament in Pakistan next month.

South Africa is the first country officially to boycott the tournament. The decision follows a meeting involving Cricket South Africa, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat and ICC security officials.

Cricketers from England, New Zealand and Australia have expressed concerns over security and reluctance to play in Pakistan.