Decision is ‘unfortunate’ for Pakistan, says ICC c
THE Champions Trophy will not take place in Pakistan, it has been confirmed.
The ICC said “circumstances completely beyond the control of the PCB” were the factor in its decision.
Originally the tournament was due to take place in September 2008 but was postponed after a number of cricketing nations refused to travel to Pakistan on security grounds.
The news will come as a huge blow to Pakistan who had hoped to use the tournament to dispel fears surrounding the country’s security situation.
“It is unfortunate the ICC Champions Trophy will not take place in Pakistan due to circumstances completely beyond the control of the PCB,” Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said.
He added Pakistan will however retain the revenue due for hosting the tournament.
The ICC also offered to form a task team to visit Pakistan and work with the PCB “to find ways to ensure that, wherever possible, international cricket is played in the country in the future”.
Former Pakistan captain and commentator Ramiz Raja, however, was disappointed with the decision to shift the tournament. “I think Pakistan has done enough to tell the world that cricket is not targeted in the country,” he told AFP. “While the PCB wanted to host the Champions Trophy, they insisted to host Australia on a neutral venue in April. That must have confused the decision-makers.”
