Mixed reactions in Pak over Champions Trophy postponement

Lahore, Aug 26 (UNI) The ICC's decision to postpone the Champions Trophy until October next year has evoked mixed reactions from Pakistan's present and former Test players.

Along with captain Shoaib Malik, players like Salman Butt and Mohammad Hafeez have expressed disapointment on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision, while former Test leg spinner Abdul Qadir welcomed the development.

Talking to mediapersons, Qadir said, ''Let's be honest. When our own people are not safe in the country then how can we guarantee the safety of foreigners.'' The decision to postpone the event came at the ICC's board meeting on Sunday after South Africa, Australia, England and New Zealand teams refused to come to Pakistan because of security concerns.

Qadir, who made his Test debut in 1977, further cited that security reservations by the foreign players are genuine and must be accepted by Pakistan.

''There is no doubt that the conditions in Pakistan were not ideal to host an event of the magnitude of the Champions Trophy.

It was sensible to postpone it,'' he added.

Echoing the same view was former Test opener, Mudassar Nazar who said the postponement of the event was expected as lots of security concerns were shown by various teams recently.

''I think it was evident that after the carnage from the recent bomb blasts in Wah Cantt, that Pakistan's chances of hosting the event will be in jeopardy,'' Mudassar asserted.

The former cricketer, who is heading the board's national cricket academy, further said those who are dejected due to the postponement of the Champions Trophy must understand that ''people in the western countries have a different perception of security scenario here.'' UNI XC PY AB ND1250