Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board said on Tuesday it was committed to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy in India despite the recent blasts in Mumbai.
"Pakistan and Indian cricket board enjoy very cordial relations and we want to improve them. At this point of time, we are committed to play in the ICC Champions Trophy in India, Pakistan board director Abbas Zaidi said in a statement from Lahore.
Earlier, local media had quoted director, board operations, Saleem Altaf from London, saying that Pakistan would voice concern over its players' safety in India with the ICC.
"The safety of the players is the most important issue and we would take all possible steps to ensure their security," Altaf was quoted as saying in The News.
"The recent bombings in Mumbai is a cause for concern but we are confident that the ICC would take care of the players safety issue," he added.
However, Zaidi, also a career-diplomat like PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, said if there was any security issue ahead of the October event, it would be decided by both the governments.
"I don't foresee any change in our plans to play in the ICC Champions Trophy. We are fully committed to it," Zaidi said.
"However, if there will be any security issues, they would be addressed by the two governments. It has happened in the past also because security is something that comes directly under the government and both the boards require government clearance before embarking on any tour," Zaidi said.
Pakistan and Indian cricket board enjoy excellent relations, an example of which was seen last month when both, along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, combined to beat the strong Australia and New Zealand bid for the 2011 World Cup.
The organising committee of the 2011 World Cup also allocated the final to India while the other two semi-finals will be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
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