Auckland: Despite a detailed security briefing by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, the New Zealand cricketers have not changed their views on participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan from September 12.
In all 22 of New Zealand’s contracted players attended the lengthy and animated meeting along with team management and New Zealand Cricket officials.
The executive manager of the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association, Heath Mills, still felt safety remained a prime concern and hence may not be recommending the team go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“To be very honesty, nothing I heard yesterday has allayed our concerns. It was an interesting meeting, an active meeting,” Mills said.
“It went for a while. Worried players asked many questions to the out-numbered ICC representatives, who arrived from a security assessment in Pakistan in an effort to convince the side to travel but we still not totally convinced about the security to our players,” he added.
Similar concerns are expected to be heard when the ICC group arrives to discuss the situation in Australia on Friday. The tournament is also expected to be on the agenda at Friday’s New Zealand Cricket board meeting.
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