KARACHI, Aug 22: Pakistan opener Salman Butt on Friday slammed the teams who have reservations over playing in his country in the Champions Trophy, saying that the security bogey has been a norm for these sides whenever a tour to Pakistan comes up.

“Reservations by these teams were a norm whenever a tour to Pakistan approaches. This is not good for our cricket because the rest of the teams are ready to play in Pakistan,” said Salman.

The stylish left-handed batsman added that the uncertainty over whether Pakistan would host the Champions Trophy next month has affected the players in their preparations for the eight-nation tournament.

“Look, this uncertainty is affecting the players, especially their preparations for the tournament. Everyone wants to plan ahead for a big tournament. We are unable to do that, not knowing where it will be held,” he stated.

Meanwhile, former Test captain Zaheer Abbas, on the other hand, blamed the PCB for the current situation.

“I don’t think the resignation of the PCB chairman (Dr Nasim Ashraf) at this stage has helped. And also the ad hocism prevailing in the board sends off negative signals to other countries. I think it is going to be very difficult for the ICC to keep the tournament in Pakistan,” he said.—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...
Doctor attacked
09 Jun, 2026

Doctor attacked

AN act of reprehensible violence has shaken the medical community. On Saturday, an employee of the Provincial Civil...
AJK flare-up
Updated 09 Jun, 2026

AJK flare-up

The situation started deteriorating after a trader affiliated with the JAAC was reportedly shot in an altercation with law-enforcers.
Fault lines
09 Jun, 2026

Fault lines

THE April 8 ceasefire that halted hostilities between Israel and Iran has encountered its most serious test yet....