England to discuss Champions Trophy participation

England to discuss Champions Trophy participation
LONDON (AFP) - England's participation in next month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan will be discussed at an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) meeting on TuesdaySecurity fears have already led to New Zealand and Australia casting doubts about competing despite meeting with high-ranking figures from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's world governing body.

England players met with ICC representatives Sunday night to discuss their fears about travelling.

An England spokesman told BBC Sport: "ECB chief executive Davd Collier was at the meeting and he will report back.

"They have a board meeting in London on Tuesday to discuss the issue."

The ECB spokesman added: "The meeting lasted two hours and it was an opportunity for all the players to ask whatever questions they had about the tournament.

"David Collier and Hugh Morris, managing director of the England team, were both there and they heard the views of all the players.

"They will report back to the ECB board on Tuesday but I don't know when a decision is going to be announced."

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf resigned on Monday, a few hours after the resignation of Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf.

"Yes, I have resigned from the post and it is now the prerogative of the new president of the country to appoint a new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)," Ashraf told AFP from Islamabad.

Musharraf, who was also patron of the PCB, appointed Ashraf as the head of the board in October 2006.

Ashraf said his resignation would not harm Pakistan's chances of hosting the Champions Trophy.

"I will continue to work until a new chairman is appointed and I don't see my leaving affecting the Champions Trophy because PCB is an institution and institutions are not run by individuals," said Ashraf.

Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy from September 12-28.