You are in > manchester.com  > News > Pietersen welcomes Champions Trophy postponement

Cricket

Pietersen welcomes Champions Trophy postponement

25/08/2008

England captain Kevin Pietersen has welcomed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to postpone the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The ICC announced on Sunday that the eight-team tournament, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 12 to 28 September, would be postponed by 13 months because of security fears.

Pietersen is glad that the ICC have made a definitive decision after weeks of speculation.

"This is a huge decision and cricket can now take priority again," he said.

"All the players I know personally from other countries have safety and security concerns.

"It was good that this decision was taken out of our players' hands.
"Over the last couple of weeks it has been a huge topic of conversation in the dressing room.

"And last Sunday's briefing was a huge talking point. This whole week there has been ifs and buts and dos and don'ts.

"What I said to the team was to put it to the back of our minds because the most important thing for us is the one-day series with South Africa, and that means standing up to be counted on Tuesday.

England face South Africa at Trent Bridge on Tuesday looking to take a 2-0 series lead.