Pakistan still hopes to stage next month's Champions Trophy despite South Africa's decision to withdraw from the eight-nation tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said on Friday.
"Rescheduling is a problem because of the tight international calendar involving all teams and every board is aware of this. And we have been preparing very hard to make the Champions Trophy a safe and successful event," Naghmi told Reuters.
"South Africa's decision is all the more disappointing for us because they came to Pakistan last year and were satisfied with the level of security we provided them on the tour," Naghmi said.
"We shifted a match from Karachi to Lahore on one occasion to ensure best security for them. Pakistan cricket has been going out its way since 9/11 to accommodate and ensure touring teams are given state level security. "The ICC is trying hard to assure all teams that conditions are safe to play in Pakistan and a teleconference of the executive board is to be held on Sunday. South Africa should have waited until then."
Former test captain Javed Miandad said two suicide bomb attacks which killed 67 people on Thursday had sent all the wrong messages to teams already reluctant to play in Pakistan because of security concerns. "These attacks could not have come at a worse time and I think other teams like Australia, New Zealand and England will also now take South Africa's line. Pakistan should now try to ensure they are not deprived of hosting rights," he said.
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