Kevin Petersen has reservation on going to Pakistan

United Kingdom News.Net
Saturday 26th July, 2008 (IANS)

England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has joined the growing band of players who are against travelling to strife-torn Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in September.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is to meet early next month to confirm whether to pull out of the tournament after International Cricket Council backed Pakistan's hosting the tournament.

Pietersen has spoken to ECB chief executive David Collier and hops the board will "make the right decision".

"For sure, I have reservations about going there. Everybody has reservations about going to Pakistan - all the Australians and New Zealanders. I have spoken to some of the South Africans and West Indians as well. Loads of players have their reservations," The Times quoted Pietersen as saying.

"The ECB are making a statement on August 3 or 4 and the matter is being taken out of our hands. I will wait until then. I do not think pressure should be on any individual, especially when your life could be at risk,' he said.

Collier said: "It is a very fluid situation in Pakistan. It is primarily the external environment we are looking at and where we have raised concerns. Clearly, other boards are in the same position. The safety and security of our players is paramount and we won't compromise on that."

If, as seems probable, England, Australia and New Zealand - perhaps South Africa too - pull out, the choice is between a competition with only four or five of the eight leading countries or no tournament.

The boards will keep in close touch over the next week. Australia have made it clear that they do not intend to travel; they refused to do so in March this year. England and New Zealand are receiving the same security advice and will presumably respond in the same way.

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