It is in news now that the Champions Trophy cricket tournament to be held in Pakistan next month will not see the arrival of South Africa as the country. SA Cricket board on Friday announced that it would not send its team to Pakistan for the tournament next month. This has made South Africa the first country to officially boycott the tournament.

The decision came after a meeting held between Cricket South Africa, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat and ICC security officials
In a statement passed by Cricket SA President Norman Arendse, he said, “After extensive discussions and a frank exchange of views, the board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy.”

The South African players as had done before expressed their concerns to play in Pakistan through South Africa Cricketers Association. Their concerns were regarding the security in Pakistan. The players form other countries like England, New Zealand and Australia have also put forward their concerns regarding the same.

However, in the state where ICC is finding it really tough to convince the cricketers to play in Pakistan for the tournament next month, Sri-Lanka has come for a rescue by declaring that it could host the tournament even at a short notice. The announcement was made in Colombo on Friday.

Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Duleep Mendis reported, “We are ready to hold the Champions Trophy as we are the alternative venue for the tournament.”

All the grounds according to the SLC officials are in good condition since presently Indian cricket tour is being held in Sri Lanka. On the other end, on Wednesday a meeting to discuss the preparations for the Champions Trophy was held at the ICC’s offices in Dubai.