NEW DELHI, Aug 29: Postponement of the Champions Trophy, which was slated next month in Pakistan, is a huge setback for cricket in the trouble-torn country, according to former pacer Wasim Akram.

“I should say yes, the postponement of Champions Trophy is a big blow for Pakistan,” Akram said on the sideline of a seven-day cricket camp on Friday. “I really don’t know why the South Africa team refused to participate in the tournament in Pakistan, even after initially giving their nod. It is also unfortunate that Australia and England also raised security concern,” Akram, who has served Pakistan in 104 Test matches, said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) postponed the tournament till next year after some cricket boards voiced concern about the players’ security in the volatile country.

Wasim was equally disappointed with the scenario back home and said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was struggling to put the things in order after its Chairman Nasim Ashraf resigned recently. “The PCB is in shambles now. They have no Chairman, no direction. We are really struggling to recover,” he said.

On Mohammad Asif, who is facing a dope charge, Wasim said the pacer was young and he would give him another chance. “He is only 23-year-old now. He has committed a mistake, but I would like to give him another chance,” he said.

The former captain, however, was harsh on Pakistan skipper Shaoib Malik and felt he needed to lead by example. “Once I recommended his name as Pakistan captain to the PCB but he has not delivered. Malik should believe on himself and lead from the front,” said Wasim, who scalped 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets in his kitty.

Meanwhile, the ICC Executive Board will take a final decision on whether the Champions Trophy, which has been postponed till 2009, should remain in Pakistan or be relocated during a meeting in March next year.

Sources in the PCB have confirmed that March is the deadline for confirming the venue of the tournament which was to be held in Pakistan from Sept 12 but has been postponed due to the security concerns raised by some teams.

“The ICC is having a meeting on Sept 11 and 12 to decide the best dates for the tournament when it is held next year. But the final decision on whether it will remain in Pakistan will be taken in March,” one source said.

He said in case some countries still refuse to play in Pakistan next year, the ICC will relocate it but Pakistan would get compensation of US$3 million.—Agencies