KARACHI, July 11: Former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail on Friday asked President Pervez Musharraf to convince Australia, New Zealand and England not to pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy over security fears.

Players from the three countries have expressed concern over playing in Pakistan after a deadly suicide blast in Islamabad.

Pakistan successfully hosted the six-nation Asia Cup, which ended in Karachi last Sunday.

Aamir said Musharraf — patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) — must play a lead role and speak to his counterparts in the competing countries.

“I feel it is the duty of the president to speak to individual countries and convince them to come over and play in Pakistan where there are no safety problems,” Aamir, a dashing left-handed opener of his time, stated.

Earlier this week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said it is awaiting a security report on the Asia Cup and is following a process during which they would not compromise the safety of players.

Sri Lanka has been designated as the alternative venue should the tournament be moved.

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds said on Thursday he had yet to be convinced Pakistan would be a safe venue for the Champions Trophy.

“My feelings haven’t changed a great deal,” said Symonds, who first raised objections about Australia’s scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in April, which was eventually cancelled.

“I don’t mind the odd game of cricket for Australia, but it is only a game at the end of the day, and putting yourself in a position where you’re not safe, to me is ridiculous,” he expressed.

Aamir said: “Pakistan is paying the price of being at the forefront of the war against terrorism.

“What is happening in our country is basically the result of Pakistan leading this war against terror,” insisted Aamir, who played 47 Tests and 156 One-day Internationals for Pakistan.

“Countries such as Australia and England are our allies in the war on terror, yet they are not supporting us here,” he pointed out.

He further said if the tournament is not held in Pakistan it would be a great loss for cricket in the country.

“If the (Champions Trophy) tournament isn’t held here because of these reasons it will be a really sad day for Pakistan cricket,” Aamir said, adding: “It is an unfair price for us to pay.”—AFP