The International Cricket Council says Shoaib's 18-month ban suspended ...
Zimbabwe to face UK cricket ban ... September's Champions Trophy event will remain in Pakistan after a review into safety and security in the country.

England, defending champions Australia and New Zealand had all voiced concern after bomb attacks in Pakistan, with the Australians the most vocal.

Most recently, in June a suicide bomber killed 15 people in Islamabad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has always insisted the eight-nation, 18-day tournament can proceed safely.

And on Thursday, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said: "We thank all member countries for their kind support. The competition goes ahead as planned.

"The ICC has decided to appoint a special task force which will visit Pakistan. The tournament will take place as scheduled from September 11 to September 28."

The ICC said further comments would be made later.

England's first match is against Sri Lanka in Karachi, on 14 September.

Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Paul Marsh had been among those urging a change of venue.

"Based on expert reports read and heard during Sunday's meeting there is no way the ACA can recommend touring Pakistan at this time," Marsh said.

Earlier this year, Cricket Australia said it had "no alternative" but to postpone a tour scheduled to begin on 29 March.

(BBC)

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