Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf said yesterday, ''We will host the event as per schedule.''

Players of defending champions Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa have expressed reservations over travelling to Pakistan for the September 12-28 limited-overs tournament rated as the second biggest event on the International Cricket Council's calendar after the World Cup.

Last week a high-profile ICC taskforce led by chief executive Haroon Logart visited Pakistan where they were briefed on the security arrangements at host cities Lahore and Karachi.

''I have even talked to Mr Logart and he has given the assurance that the Champions Trophy will be organised in Pakistan,'' Ashraf said.

Pakistan coach and former Australian Test bowler Geoff Lawson joined ICC officials meeting with players from New Zealand and Australia last week in a bid to ease their concerns over safety.

The other nations contesting the Champions Trophy are the West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Neighbouring Sri Lanka is the standby venue. AP