Imran criticises South Africa's security fears

Imran Khan has criticised South Africa's demand to change the venues of two matches during their forthcoming tour of Pakistan. Imran, now a member of the federal parliament, said: "I see [the] South African demand [as] illogical after assurances by the Pakistan government that the team would be given highest security. The government is the best judge of the security in the country. Terrorism can take place anywhere in the world and most countries have unpredictable security, including South Africa."

The South Africans are due to tour Pakistan from September 22 until October 27, during which time they will play three one-day internationals and as many Tests. Their itinerary includes a limited-overs warm-up game, an ODI and a Test in Karachi, and another Test in Peshawar, matches which South Africa want rescheduling to other venues.

A three-man delegation from the South African board will travel to Pakistan on Sunday to ascertain the security situation. The Pakistan board meanwhile, has assured that top-level security will be in place throughout the tour.

Security fears have blighted cricket in Pakistan recently with teams refusing to tour the country following two suicide-bombings in Karachi in May and June last year. As a result, Pakistan were forced to play two of their home Tests against West Indies and Australia at neutral venues last year.

One of those blasts, on May 8 last year, was outside the touring New Zealanders' hotel. As a result, they packed their bags and cut the tour short by one Test. However, New Zealand are set to compensate that match by returning to Pakistan in November this year when they will play five ODIs, even though they have refused to play in Karachi.

Meanwhile, Imran blamed the ICC for this whole security palaver: "The ICC has failed to play a lead role, it's the ICC who messed up the Zimbabwe issue in the World Cup," he said, referring to England pulling out of their group match in Harare because of security concerns.