Pervez Musharraf believes an incident-free Asia Cup will help Pakistan in its bid to host the Champions Trophy as per schedule.

The President, who gave away the winner's trophy to Sri Lanka on Sunday at the National Stadium in Karachi, congratulated the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Asian Cricket Council for their efforts in organising a "healthy competition" and for the tight security arrangements.

"Such healthy competitions are important and necessary for Pakistan and in this region. I congratulate the Pakistan board and the Asian Cricket Council for organising this event successfully," he said.

Musharaff's comments come in the wake of an international concern from various countries who have expressed reservations about participating in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in the "strife-torn" nation in September.

Holders Australia have gone to the extent of sending a security expert to assess the situation and have also mulled over not defending their title this time.

The entire cricketing fraternity would have watched the six-nation tournament with keen interest after some cricket teams around the world clearly voiced concerns to tour the trouble torn country for the Champions' Trophy.

And to complicate matters furter, Islamabad was rocked by a bomb blast on Sunday. However, the Pakistani President said life must go on and sports would not suffer in the country.

The former Army chief said he was very happy to be at the final but saddened by the bomb blast.

Musharraf, who came to the National Stadium wrapped in a thick security blanket, said he was happy to see the crowd enjoying themselves.