SPO: Cricket Pakistan unhappy at South Africa Champions Trophy pullout

Lahore, Aug 22 PPI: Pakistan's campaign to stay as hosts of next month's Champions Trophy received a major blow Friday when South Africa pulled out of eight-nation cricket contest because of security concerns.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced it won't be sending a team for Champions Trophyand requested International Cricket Council (ICC) to reschedule the tournament.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman described South Africa's move as ``unfortunate. Pakistan is taking all possible steps to host Champions Trophy in a successful manner.'' The tournament is supposed to take place Sept 12-28 in Karachi and Lahore but with fears that Australia, England and New Zealand may also withdraw, chances are now dimthe event will be held as scheduled.

``After extensive discussions and frank exchange of views, the board has resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan for Champions Trophy,'' said Norman Arendse, CSA president, in a statement. ``We respect right of the PCB to stage the tournament and we would urge ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible,''he added.

But PCB spokesman said a tight future tour programme of ICC would give little chance of finding a slot for Champions Trophy in near future. ``If Champions Trophy is not held next month, then chances are that it won't take place in coming months.''