Four security consultants of the International Cricket Council (ICC) are in Karachi to monitor the ongoing Asia Cup and assess the situation ahead of the Champions Trophy in September. Sources in the Pakistan cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the four consultants are in Pakistan, as security remains a key issue in the way of Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy. "They are not only monitoring how the security arrangements are working for the Asia Cup but also other arrangements like hospitality, venues and practice facilities," a PCB source said One of the security consultants is Nigel Faisal, who has toured Pakistan before with the England and South African teams as their security expert and has previous experience of coordinating with the local authorities. "Basically the ICC experts want to start practical implementation of security arrangements for the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup is the perfect event for them to do this," he said. A security expert from Cricket Australia is also expected to reach Pakistan this week to prepare an independent report for the Champions Trophy. Australia and New Zealand are the two teams who have voiced concern with the Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan because of the security situation. This issue is going to be discussed in detail when the ICC executive board meets in Dubai over the next one week. "We will do our best to allay any reservations in Dubai that any team might have playing in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and the smooth manner in which the Asia Cup has been conducted shows we are capable of making all arrangements properly," one board official said.
