Task force to visit Pakistan between August 10-12

The eight-man ICC task force, set up to assess and monitor the security situation in the three venues hosting the Champions Trophy, will visit Pakistan between August 10 and 12, and not on August 15 as initially expected.

Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo the change was the result of issues over timing and availability of those meant to visit. "There was some issue over timings and who could make it from the delegation and who would be present here in Pakistan.

"They are expected anytime between 10-12 August now," he said. "They will be here for a two-day visit and will go through the three venues."

There are some concerns, however, surrounding the timing of the visit, which takes place just before August 14th, Pakistan's Independence Day. Security officials the task force is likely to meet are expected to be busy with preparations.

The task force was constituted after a teleconference among top ICC officials on July 24, when it was decided that the Champions Trophy would go ahead in Pakistan as scheduled despite security concerns. The decision was met with reservations from the players' associations from Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand, who warned of player boycotts.

The delegation will be led by David Morgan, the ICC president, and will include Sharad Pawar (vice-president), Haroon Lorgat (CEO), IS Bindra (principal advisor), Tim May, the chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, representatives of ESPN-Star (the broadcasters of the event) and the board's security consultants.