Shoaib Malik fears Paks isolation if intl teams security concerns continue

If security concerns of the foreign cricketing nations about playing in Pakistan continue, the country might slip into isolation, said Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik.

Karachi, Sept 11 : If security concerns of the foreign cricketing nations about playing in Pakistan continue, the country might slip into isolation, said Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik.

The statement assumes significance after Pakistan suffered two major setbacks this year with Australia postponing a test tour in March and the eight-nation Champions Trophy being postponed by the ICC last month because of "security concerns" of teams like Australia, England and South Africa.

"It is very frustrating for the players the way two important events have been postponed this year. It is so depressing that despite being a major cricket playing nation we do not play a test match this year," the Daily Times quoted Malik as telling reporters in Karachi last evening.

Malik further said that for cricket to thrive in Pakistan it was important for the ICC to ensure teams toured the country. "The ICC needs to step in and play a more decisive role. If teams keep on refusing to tour Pakistan despite assurances even from our government we will become an isolated cricket nation," he added.

Pakistan played its last test against India in December and their next test series is not until January when India tour.

ANI