South African concerns over player safety remain

	A security guard searches Brian Murgatroyd, one of six members of the ICC delegation in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy © AFP

While the signs are that the ICC is satisfied with the level of security in place for next month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, there are continuing indications that South Africa remain less than convinced.

The weekly Rapport newspaper reported that D.J. Mavimbela, the country's high commissioner in Pakistan, had sent a letter to Cricket South Africa warning it of the risk to players' safety.

Gerald Majola, CSA's chief executive, confirmed to the paper that the letter had been received and indicated that a final decision on whether the side would participate would not be taken until after the completion of the England tour on September 9, six days before their first schedule match and two days before the start of the tournament. "It's expected that the task team will report to the ICC and participating countries soon, after which CSA will discuss the matter further," he said.

It has been widely reported that several of the South African side are unhappy about travelling to Pakistan, and Tony Irish, the South African Players' Association chief executive, is liaising with the board on their behalf.