LAHORE, July 24: Captains, past and present, hailed the world governing body’s decision to keep September’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, saying it would help develop cricket in the South Asian country.

The ICC executive board after a teleconference on Thursday announced that the event remains in Pakistan and appointed a commission to ensure security.

Current captain Shoaib Malik praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its efforts to retain the hosting rights.

“Our stance from the first day was that our country is safe for playing cricket and I give full credit to the PCB for fighting their case with conviction,” Malik said.

Malik said Pakistan would ensure the tournament is held in the best atmosphere.

“I congratulate the people of Pakistan, who will now witness best players playing in the event and we will all combine our efforts with the PCB and the government to make this tournament a great success,” added Malik.

Malik hoped leading players will not pull out of the trophy.

“I call upon all the leading players to come to Pakistan, play here and enjoy our hospitality. We will look after every player,” said Malik.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram agreed Pakistan will benefit from the decision.

“It is a positive decision which should be viewed in the larger interest of the game. ICC must be appreciated for taking a decision which will help Pakistan cricket in every way,” Wasim said.

Wasim added that it was now the responsibility of the hosts to make the best arrangements.

“Now the world body has posed confidence in us, we must take every step and show the world how capable we are of holding cricketing events, and this should pave the way for more teams to tour Pakistan in future,” stated Wasim.

Another former captain, Javed Miandad, termed the decision “diplomatic”.

“Although it’s great news, I think it’s a diplomatic decision. It’s too early to say whether every top team and every top player will come and it would be a great challenge for the ICC to make sure participation of top players,” said Miandad.

The master batsman said had the tournament been shifted, the PCB would have been blamed.

“I think the PCB had not lobbied properly before and that’s why such concerns were raised. Now it’s the double responsibility for the PCB and the ICC to ensure the tournament goes ahead safely,” added Miandad.—AFP