'I think Pakistan is a safe place'

Former South African all-rounder Mike Procter said on Friday he saw no reason why Pakistan cannot host the Champions Trophy in September, describing security measures as "fantastic".

Procter, who is here as an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee for the ongoing Asia Cup, made the comments after players from Australia, New Zealand and England raised concerns.

"I see no reason why Pakistan should not host the Champions Trophy. I found Pakistan a safe place and have been here twice this year," Procter, who is overseeing Asia Cup Group A matches, said.

"This is my personal opinion and I don't know that the Australians have to say... (but) I was here in March and I am here in June and I found security arrangements to be fantastic," said Procter.

"The foreign umpires who have been with me during the Asia Cup also felt very safe and I would love to come to Pakistan for the future events whenever I get appointments."

ICC board meetings start on June 29 in Dubai, where an independent security report on the situation in Pakistan will be discussed before a final decision on the Champions Trophy is taken.

courtesy: news24.com

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