Clark not a certainty for Champs Trophy

Stuart Clark may not participate in the Champions Trophy even if a security report indicates it is safe to travel to Pakistan.

The International Cricket Council have sent a delegation led by their general manager of cricket, David Richardson, and Pakistan coach and former Australia fast bowler Geoff Lawson to talk to players in New Zealand and Australia about their safety fears for the tourament.

The group met players in New Zealand on Thursday and are due to speak with Australia captain Ricky Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke on Friday.

Clark is reluctant to commit to travelling until he hears what is said, but indicated he would not base his decision entirely on its recommendations.

The paceman's wife is due to give birth to the couple's first child on Christmas Day, adding greater gravity to Clark's decision.

Pakistan is considered a 'no go' zone by the Australian Government due to a spate of suicide bombings and its proximity to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"My wife's pregnant and there are things like that that need to be taken into consideration," Clark said on Thursday.

"People are desperate to find out what's happened and what this extra security party has taken into consideration.

"I'm going to have to see what this report says and take advice from the experts.

"If we do go, it will be on the basis that all the security is taken care of and that uneasy factor will be removed."

The ICC are desperate for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for September 12-28, to go ahead in Pakistan but players from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England have all expressed doubts.

The Australian Government is strongly advising its citizens not to travel to Pakistan, stating there is a "very high threat of terrorist attack, sectarian violence and (an) unpredictable security situation".

Australia's consulates in Lahore and Karachi are closed due to the security threat.

"I only know from what I've read and there's a lot of media talk which has made it sound worse," Clark said of the situation in Pakistan.

"There is obviously something going on there but we will just have to wait to see what the report says.

"It will all depend on what this report says."


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