KARACHI, Oct 16: Ijaz Butt, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday expressed his delight over the rescheduling of the Champions Trophy, saying it would open doors for more world-class cricket in the country.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday rescheduled the biennial eight-nation tournament, which was postponed this year amid security concerns in Pakistan, to next September.

The ICC said the tournament would go ahead between Sept 24 and Oct 5, 2009, with the matches being played in just one city, rather than the two mooted for this year.

Ijaz said it was welcome news for Pakistan cricket.

“Of course, it’s a big relief,” Ijaz told AFP from Dubai where he attended the two-day meeting. “Previously there was some opposition on holding this event in Pakistan but I am happy that it was a consensus decision.”

However ongoing security concerns forced the ICC Board to delay a final decision on the location of the event until after India’s tour to Pakistan early next year.

Ijaz, who took over earlier this month after Dr Nasim Ashraf resigned in August, said the tour by India would prepare the ground for the Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan government is taking care of improving security and every step will be taken to hold the India series in a peaceful manner because that will allay fears of other countries,” said Ijaz.

Pakistan hosts India for three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 match from January to February next year.

The ICC was forced to postpone the Trophy, scheduled for last month, after South Africa pulled out of the event.

Australia, England and New Zealand had also raised concerns.

Australia postponed a full tour of Pakistan in March this year but agreed to reschedule the visit into two trips, and now will play five one-dayers in March 2009 and three Tests in 2010.

Pakistan has struggled to attract foreign teams since the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

They had to relocate two home series – against Australia and the West Indies – to neutral venues.

New Zealand cut short a 2002 tour after a suicide bomb blast outside their Karachi hotel killed 14 people.—AFP