Wasim Akram: Pakistan unfairly targeted

England's decision not to play a Test match in Karachi later this year has been strongly criticised by Wasim Akram. The former Pakistan captain has called for cricket boards to show more confidence and faith in the security advice offered by governments, rather than relying upon so-called security experts.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India, Akram said: "Our cricket boards ought to be stronger. Once we have promised foolproof security, there is no point in bowing down to the pressure tactics of visiting teams."

The ECB's decision not to play a Test match at Karachi was made earlier this year, but they have agreed to play a one-day international. The debate has rumbled on for months, with former batsman Javed Miandad publicly urging the Pakistan Cricket Board to cancel England's tour.

Akram, who played for Lancashire, said that Australia's decision to remain in England despite the recent bombings in London would not have happened had they been in Pakistan.

"Look at Australia, had they been playing in Pakistan now instead of England and there was a bomb blast, they would have disappeared within a couple of hours," Akram said.

England will play three Tests during their tour of Pakistan, in Multan, Faisalabad and Lahore and five one-day internationals.