June 26, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 21, 1429

KARACHI, June 25: Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram accused Australia on Wednesday of having “double standards” on security and said they must tour Pakistan to play September’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Players from Australia, New Zealand and England have raised concerns over security in Pakistan despite an all-clear from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“I think the Australians have double standards,” Wasim said.

“They played in England despite blasts in London in 2005 and four Australians were willing to play in India despite blasts in Jaipur last month,” Wasim added.

The ICC board in a meeting starting on June 29 in Dubai will discuss an independent security assessment on the situation in Pakistan before taking a final decision on the Champions Trophy.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting last week said his side and others still had security concerns about Pakistan, and Australia were undecided about competing in the Champions Trophy.

Australia earlier this year postponed a Test and one-day tour of Pakistan over security fears sparked in the wake of a series of blasts – a decision Wasim believed was justified.

“I was in Australia at that time and backed their decision because the news we were getting at that time was not conducive for cricket, but nothing is happening now and they themselves rescheduled the tour after getting assurances,” stated Wasim, who played 104 Tests for Pakistan.

Wasim accused the Australians of influencing other nations to boycott the Champions Trophy.

“How can they create an opinion by sitting there in Australia? They said they don’t want to come and (are) also trying to influence other teams. I am sorry, they are willing to play anywhere if they get money,” he expressed.

Wasim further said that if Australia do not turn up, they should be fined by the ICC, adding action should be taken against them.

Wasim also lashed out at Tim May, the chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), for generating doubts over security in Pakistan.—AFP