The eight-nation Champions Trophy tournament has been officially postponed until October next year amidst serious security concerns in Pakistan, the host of the tournament, at present time.

While many of the Australian players have expressed their concerns for travelling to Pakistan and had been blamed for potentially jeopardising the tournament, it was actually the South African cricket board that drew first blood by refusing to send their team. Other countries considering pull-outs over security worries were Australia, New Zealand and England.

Therefore, the International Cricket Council (ICC) was forced to put off the eight-nation biennial tournament - due to start on September 12 - until October 2009. However, Pakistan has kept the hosting rights.

Pakistan cricket officials also expressed how they 'felt let down' by Australia, South Africa and non-Asian teams after their security fears led to the postponement until 2009.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said: "We are definitely disappointed by Australia because they have not toured us for 10 years."

Can the Pakistan Cricket Board really 'feel let down' by Australia for the postponement of the tournament? Despite looking likely that Cricket Australia would withdraw players like their South African counterparts, things were yet still to be confirmed. Cricket Australia has the responsibility to look after their players and if, in any way, the safety of the players maybe jeopardised on tour, then they have to act, which they have done or would have done in this case.

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Comment by Muralidaran Ramesh Somasunderam

August 28th 2008 10:18

Dear Sir / Madam,
There are countries, such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the South Asian region, which have civil order problem, due to internal disturbances. But I am not sure whether this warrants counties to ban sending their respective cricket teams due to this, unless the safety of the teams is directly hindered or jeopardised because of the internal disturbances.
Therefore the International Cricket Council should take a proactive and precise stand, and state their position very clearly.
Yours Faithfully,
Muralidaran Somasunderam.

Comment by damian

August 28th 2008 14:12

Urban Telegraph
Sports and All
The Squirter McGee Diaries

I would like to see the champions trophy held in the Sudan, or perhaps Iraq ideally, but Pakistan will do. The more cricketers who fall victim to acts of violence, the closer my dream of playing for Australia.

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