Proteas won't go to Pakistan

Cricket South Africa has confirmed it will not send its cricketers to Pakistan if the Champions Trophy is held there.

A recent spate of devastating bomb attacks prompted the International Cricket Council's task force to meet with CSA in Johannesburg on Friday to assure the body security measures would be in place.

However, CSA president Norman Arendse revealed in a statement: "After extensive discussions and a frank exchange of views, the Board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy."

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat responded by saying "We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible."

South African Cricketers' Association chief Tony Irish backed CSA's decision, saying: "This was a difficult decision but it was the right one. There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team."