By AFP
August 26th 2008 @ 2:07am
Pakistan ‘let down’ by Australia, South Africa
Pakistan cricket officials feel let down by Australia and South Africa after their security fears led to the postponement until 2009 of next month’s Champions Trophy in the troubled South Asian country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) was forced to put off the eight-nation biennial tournament until October next year just two days after South Africa refused to send their team while Australia, New Zealand and England were also considering pull-outs over security worries.
Pakistan, who were due to host the Trophy from September 12-28, however kept the hosting rights.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said his country felt let down by non-Asian teams.
“We are definitely disappointed by Australia because they have not toured us for 10 years,” Naghmi told AFP.
He said he was also surprised by South Africa’s sudden boycott and once major countries pulled out there was no point in holding the event.
Naghmi hoped Australia, who postponed a tour to Pakistan in March-April this year which then sparked doubts over the Champions Trophy, fulfil their commitment to tour next year.
“Australia have a commitment of playing five one-day internationals in April next year so we hope by then their fears are removed and they play in our country,” said Naghmi of Australia who have not toured Pakistan since 1998.
In Melbourne, CA spokesman Peter Young said they were hopeful future tours would go ahead as planned.
“What we’re all hoping now is the situation in Pakistan allows us to go
there next year,” Young said. “We’re passionately keen to be able to do that.
“The former president is now resigned … we’re all hoping the civil
situation returns to order.
“We haven’t had a senior Australian team in Pakistan for a long time.”
He added that it was crucial for world cricket that Pakistan cricket was
strong.
Naghmi hoped a full tour by archrivals India at the turn of the year would help remove security fears.
Pakistan host India for three Tests and five one-day internationals
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© 2008 AFP
