FAISALABAD, Sept 12: Former Pakistan cricket great Imran Khan on Friday criticised a South African demand to change venues for two matches during a forthcoming tour of Pakistan because of security concerns.

“I see (the) South African demand (as) illogical after assurances by the Pakistan government that the team would be given highest security,” Imran, an ex-captain and now a member of the federal parliament.

“The government is the best judge of the security in the country,” said Imran, who played 88 Tests and 175 one-day games for Pakistan.

“Terrorism can take place anywhere in the world and most countries have unpredictable security including South Africa,” he said.

The South African team is due to tour Pakistan from Sept 22 until Octr 27 during which they will play three one-dayers and as many Tests.

They play a one-day warm up game, a one-day international and a Test in Karachi and one Test in Peshawar.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) has demanded that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) relocate the matches scheduled for the Karachi and Peshawar over security concerns.

Imran said International Cricket (ICC) messed up things in this year’s World Cup.

“ICC has failed to play a lead role, it’s the ICC who messed up the Zimbabwe issue in the World Cup,” said Imran, referring to England’s pull-out from their match World Cup match in Harare in February-March over security fears.—AFP