Pakistan still not safe: Warne by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SK Warne

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DateLine: 24th June 2009

 

Shane Warne says that he could understand the state of mind that Younis Khan was when he appealed to the cricketing world to tour Pakistan but, the spin legend reckons that the country is still not safe for tour. The retired Australian felt touring Pakistan is a hazardous proposition.

 

"It is easy to understand why Younus wants teams to tour his country. Unfortunately, the security risk is too great at the moment," Warne wrote in his column for The Times. "We all love playing there with the incredible atmosphere and passion inside the grounds, but it is not worth it because of what might happen. The guidance is from governments, not just cricket authorities," he added.

 

Soon after leading Pakistan to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph, Younus had appealed to all the teams to tour Pakistan, something they have been avoiding in the recent past resulting in a virtual isolation of the country.

 

Warne, meanwhile, felt that having another Twenty20 World Cup next year could back fire. He also felt that the Champions Trophy has lost its relevance and that it does not hold much importance now.

 

Dwelling on Ashes, Warne said England erred by omitting former captain Michael Vaughan from the pre-Ashes camp.

 

"England may have made a mistake by leaving Michael Vaughan out of what looks to be their big Ashes squad. Admittedly, I haven't seen him for a while, but I do know that he's a big-match player who can bring that touch of class. He deals with the short ball really well and looks to attack. Tactically, he could have helped (Andrew) Strauss," Warne said.