The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed task force to oversee the security situation in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy will carry out its inspection after August 14th, when the country celebrates its Independence Day.
"The ICC task force is due to visit us after August 14 and we hope that it's a positive tour that would pave the way for a peaceful Champions Trophy," PCB spokesman Mansoor Suhail told this correspondent.
The task force comprises eight members, including David Morgan, the ICC president, Sharad Pawar, the ICC vice-president, IS Bindra, ICC's principal advisor, Tim May, the chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), representatives from broadcaster ESPN-Star Sports and the ICC's security consultants.
The task force had been set up last week, when the ICC decided to go ahead with the Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite concerns over security from the boards of Australia, England and New Zealand. Player associations slammed the move, and said there could be instances of individuals pulling out of the event. The PCB, though, was confident of hosting the tournament successfully, as it did with the six-nation Asia Cup in June.
Tim May, who in June said nothing had changed in Pakistan since Australia postponed their tour in March-April, said, "I will go to Pakistan with an open mind. We would have made significant progress if the players are comfortable with what we see in Pakistan. All the stakeholders need to be satisfied, and that's what matters."
May's statement was hailed by Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman. "We welcome May's statement and hope that he will tour us with an open mind. It shows May's professionalism and right approach," he said. "I am confident that perceptions will change once the task force visits Pakistan and there will be a positive feedback on the security of Pakistan."
On the other hand PCB has offered to organise a meeting between ICC task force and Pakistan government top officials including President Parvaiz Musharraf, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Interior Advisor Rehman Malik in a bid to relieve fears over security ahead of the Champions Trophy in September.
PCB want to send a clear signal to the cricket world that every possible measure is being taken to make the Champions Trophy a grand success.
The task force was constituted after the teleconference on July 24, when it was decided that the Champions Trophy would go ahead in Pakistan as scheduled despite security concerns. The decision was met with reservations from the players' associations from Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand, who warned of player boycotts.
The tournament, featuring the top eight ODI teams, will be held from September 11-28 in the cities of Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq offered to talk to players considering a boycott Champions Trophy, saying he would help to allay their security concerns.
"If a player has any concern, I am happy to talk to them," Inzamam, who retired from international cricket last year, said.
"As someone who has played at the highest level, I would never advise cricketers to put their lives or careers at stake. But I firmly believe Pakistan is a safe place to play cricket and the players should trust the ICC, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and the Pakistan government," he said.
But Inzamam said any pullout would be damaging, not just for Pakistan, but also for world cricket.
"The players have to understand and realise that if they pull out it will not help the cause of cricket, it may devalue an important tournament and stop the development process in Pakistan," he said.
"Pakistan is a sport loving country and by pulling out, they will be denying the opportunity to millions of local supporters who want to see them in action," said Inzamam, who played 120 Tests and 378 one-dayers for Pakistan. Inzamam hailed the ICC's decision and said outside perceptions of Pakistan formed by news reports of bombings and Islamic militant violence could be deceptive.
"There are always two sides to the picture, and I think the players need to see the other side of the picture to get to the bottom of the reasons for these acts of violence. They are not attempted or targeted at cricketers," he said.