Melbourne, Oct 13 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan insists cricketers can never be terror-targets in cricket-mad Pakistan. Imran reasons it out saying the Pakistanis love cricket so much, the public backlash would be severe if terrorists dare harm the players.

“I can understand that (the tour cancellation), but having said that I also know that cricketers would never be under any threat from terrorists,” the cricketer-turned politician was quoted as saying in The Australian.

“Terrorists rely on support from the masses because that’s where they get their recruits, and cricket is a game which is so loved and there’s such passion in Pakistan that the terrorists know that if a cricket match is bombed, they’ve had it.

“The public will just turn against them.”

Pakistan has been cricket starved since Australia pulled out of a tour earlier this year, citing security concerns.

Later top four cricketing nations effectively forced the postponement of Champions Trophy tournament that was scheduled for last month.