Date:23/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/23/stories/2008082355971600.htm

Sport - Cricket

Champions Trophy: Butt flays teams

Karachi: Pakistan opener Salman Butt on Friday slammed the teams which had reservations over playing in his country for the Champions Trophy, saying that the security bogey had been a norm for these sides “whenever a tour to Pakistan comes up”.

“Reservations by these teams were a norm whenever a tour to Pakistan approaches. This is not good for our cricket because rest of the teams are ready to play in Pakistan,” fumed Butt without naming the teams.

He said the uncertainty over whether Pakistan would host the Champions Trophy next month had affected the players in their preparations for the eight-nation tournament.

“Look this uncertainty is affecting the players, especially their preparations for the tournament. Everyone wants to plan ahead for a big tournament. We are unable to do that, not knowing where it will be held,” he added.

Former Test captain Zaheer Abbas, on the other hand, blamed the Pakistan Board for the current situation. “I don’t think the resignation of the Board chairman at this stage has helped. And also the adhocism prevailing in the Board sends off negative signals to other countries. I think it is going to be very difficult for the ICC to keep the tournament in Pakistan,” he said.