The Pakistani newspaper Dawn, in an editorial, praises the ICC's decision to not shift the Champions Trophy out of the country, while criticising players from South Africa and Australia over their fears over security.
As for the hue and cry raised by players’ association in Australia and South Africa, it is too flimsy to be taken seriously. Just recently, many of these players were taking part in the Indian Premier League when seven blasts left some 80 dead in Jaipur, which was the base camp, among others, of South African captain Graeme Smith as well as a couple of Australian stars. Besides, there were quite a few big names in other teams that also visited Jaipur without so much as making a noise. They all stayed back and fulfilled their commitments even though they were not on national duty and could have taken their own decisions. Certainly, IPL mega bucks were the only deciding factor. When it comes to national duty, however, their reaction is reflective of an entirely different mindset. If this does not constitute double standards, what else does.
The News also carries an editorial on the same subject, saying:
"There is no reason to believe cricket stadiums would be a target for terrorists, though, naturally, stringent precautions are required."
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