Pakistan coach Lawson slams Australia postponement

Pakistan cricket coach Geoff Lawson said Australia's decision to call off their tour over security fears on Tuesday was disappointing and unjustified.

Lawson, a former Australia paceman, lashed out after the tour scheduled for March-April was postponed following a double bomb attack in the eastern city of Lahore that killed at least 21 people.

"I don't think they (Australia) are justified in postponing the series. I am living in Pakistan and feel secure,"

Lawson told reporters.

"I am disappointed, although it was expected. It is a shame that we are not playing Australia at a time when they are beatable."

The tour was due to begin on March 29 and Lahore was one of the venues where Australia were due to play.

Lawson said the postponement would have multiple effects on Pakistani cricket.

"There is an immediate disappointment of not having the best team in Pakistan and it's a loss for players, fans, administrators who lose quality cricket,"

he said.

"It may have a major effect in the short term and it's up to the PCB to assure that it will not have a major effect in the longer run,"

he added, referring to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"I think the Australians should have come here full steam ahead,"

Lawson, who took up his position last August to replace the late Bob Woolmer, told the Australian Associated Press here.

"Bombs do go off. You can't argue with that. But they're focused on particular targets that have nothing to do with sport, and particularly nothing to do with cricket."