Pak govt seeks PCB explanation on loss of CT hosting right

Pakistan losing the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy has infuriated the government in Karachi which has sought an explanation from the Cricket Board on the matter.

Pakistan losing the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy has infuriated the government in Karachi which has sought an explanation from the Cricket Board on the matter.

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Pakistan was stripped of the hosting rights on Sunday by the ICC after member countries expressed "lingering security worries".

Pakistan Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jillani said he was disappointed with the ICC's decision and would seek an explanation from PCB chief Ejaz Butt once he returns home.

"It is very disappointing because the Champions Trophy was a lifeline for Pakistan cricket. We really don't know if the board had made adequate preparations for this meeting," he said.

"We have been saying all along that Pakistan is a safe country for hosting international matches and the government had done everything asked by the board. So we don't understand why the Champions Trophy has been relocated to some other country," he added.

Jillani has been a staunch critic of the present board set-up and has also said he would investigate the resignation of director general Javed Miandad, who stepped down to protest insignificant job responsibility.

Jillani said the loss of the Champions Trophy and the reversal of the infamous 2006 Oval Test result in favour of England, were big setbacks for Pakistan cricket and a proper strategy was required to convince teams to tour Pakistan.

"If the board is not successful in getting teams to come to Pakistan and we end up playing all our series at neutral venues how will our cricket survive. It is not just about revenues also about the future of Pakistan cricket," Jillani said.