New Zealand cricket officials on Monday welcomed the decision to postpone the Champions Trophy cricket tournament in Pakistan, saying it was the right decision for security reasons.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he was pleased with the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday to postpone the tournament until next year.

"The security situation in Pakistan has deteriorated during the year and postponement was the right decision," Vaughan said in a statement.

The move came two days after South Africa refused to send their team, while players' associations from New Zealand, Australia and England urged their players not to travel to the troubled country.

The tournament will now be staged in October 2009.

Vaughan said he hoped the tournament could be held in Pakistan next year if security concerns waned.

"By postponing the tournament until October next year, there is time for the security situation in Pakistan to improve or for a suitable alternative venue to be chosen," he said.

Pakistan has seen a wave of bombings and attacks over the past year. Nearly 100 people were killed in suicide bombings last week alone.