Pakistan pull out of Champions Trophy

Pakistan\'s hopes of hosting next month\'s Champions Trophy were plunged further into doubt today when South Africa withdrew, citing security concerns.



The Proteas announced today that the International Cricket Council (ICC) task force had failed to offer sufficient assurances about their players\' safety in a country blighted by extremist violence.



Australia, England and New Zealand could follow South Africa\'s lead.



Pakistan\'s cricket authorities reacted with anger.



Today’s meeting in Johannesburg was the last stop on ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat\'s global mission to allay fears of violence in Pakistan.



The ICC board will hold a teleconference Sunday to decide whether to postpone or relocate the event, or to invite replacement countries.



Sri Lanka remains the standby venue.