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| Sunday, 19 May 2002 |
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Akram urges Aussies not to shun Pakistan KARACHI, Pakistan, May 18 (Reuters) - Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged Australian players not to make any hasty decisions about touring Pakistan later this year because of security concerns. "I know it is difficult for them at this moment. I can understand what they are saying. But you can't just rule out coming to Pakistan," Akram told Reuters on Friday. The tour was put in doubt after a suicide car bomber killed 14 people and injured scores on May 8 just outside a Karachi hotel where the New Zealand and Pakistani cricket teams were staying. New Zealand aborted their tour. Leading Australian players Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh said earlier this week they would not tour in August and October even if the Australian Cricket Board went ahead with the tour. "It is very unfortunate what happened, it was a trauma for everyone," Akram said. "But I would say allow things to settle down, there are still six months to go before the tour." "The response of the New Zealanders was understandable. They were scared and worried after they had witnessed the incident from close. They wanted to fly back home on the first available flight. "It was a trauma even for the Pakistan players. I could not get the pictures of the blast site out of my mind for three days. But in today's world these things happen. "It was a coincidence it happened near the team hotel. And it is unfortunate such a thing happened. It is also the first time such a thing has happened with a touring side. "You can't just rule out touring Pakistan. There is still six months. There is still a lot of time left for a sane decision to be made. The situation should be different in six months time. The 36-year-old Akram -- a veteran of 104 tests -- advised the Australian players to refrain from speaking out against the planned tour at this juncture and wait for things to settle down. "They should make a decision after taking proper stock of things." He said the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its member boards needed to support and back Pakistan cricket through these difficulties. Pakistan themselves are due to tour Australia in June and Australian selectors named a 13-man squad on Friday to face them in a three-match limited-overs series. The series against Pakistan was only finalised last month after Australia's planned tour of Zimbabwe was called off -- also because of security fears. Pakistan are expected to name their squad later this month. |
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