PCB says foreign players are insensitive to Pakistan
30 Aug 2008, 2009 Hrs

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Karachi, Aug 30 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that foreign players have been insensitive towards Pakistan's problems following South African captain, Graeme Smith's opposition to having a tri-nation One-day series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka to compensate for the postponed Champions Trophy.

Expressing his disappointment over Smith's opposition, a PCB official said: "We graciously accepted the postponement of the tournament which is a big setback to our cricket because players raised a hue and cry over the security. But it seems that these players refuse to understand the problems being faced by us.

The Dawn quoted Smith as saying that it would not be in the best interest of his team to play an unscheduled series at home against Pakistan next month as it had many injury problems that needed to be put right before a packed season.

Pakistan has approached Cricket South Africa to organise the series next month and apparently got a favourable response from Sri Lanka, but a senior official admitted that quite a few things needed to be finalised, including sponsorship and broadcasters for the proposed series.

Meanwhile, the attitude of foreign players has come under fire by some former Pakistan players.

Former Pakistan left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim said: "Cricket Australia does not find it necessary to send a security outfit to India on a pre-inspection visit whereas India has also had problems with terrorist attacks in recent times".

He further said that foreign players know they can't afford to offend the Indians because all the money comes from India.

"Graeme Smith's response would be different if India were in talks with South Africa to play a series next month instead of Pakistan," he added. (ANI)