PCB desperate to get security clearance from ICC

A senior PCB official admitted that at the moment the visit of the International Cricket Council (ICC) security delegation from May 19 was a pressing issue for the Board.

"We are arranging meetings for them with security and government officials so that they get a proper briefing on the security conditions in Pakistan. We are also preparing a VVIP state level security plan for participating teams in conjunction with the ICC," he said.

"We just want to ensure that the security delegation is satisfied and gives a positive report to the ICC chief executives committee," he added.

Pakistan has only kept three venues -- Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi -- for the mega tournament starting from September 10.

The official said the stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi were being upgraded for the tournament.

The PCB is also contemplating having special arrangements for the players and people since the Champions Trophy will be organised in the month of Ramadan.

Considering the sanctity of the month, when Muslims observe fast from sunrise to sunset, the Board has had discussions with the ICC regarding special arrangements for the matches.

"The tournament has to be held in Ramadan but in consultation with the ICC we are trying to work out special break timings during matches so that people have enough time to break their fast and for evening prayers," the official said.

Pakistan in the last few years has regularly hosted international teams during Ramadan.