Former cricketers welcomed the government's decision to call off the Indian team's tour of Pakistan, saying it was not the right time to play cricket under the tense atmosphere between the two countries in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The former cricketers said the decision was expected as the reason to cancel the tour, scheduled for early next year, was beyond sports.

Former captain Kapil Dev said the government must have taken the decision in the best interest of the country and cricketers.

"It is up to the government to decide. We have to respect the government's decision. Obviously, the government must have decided against the tour taking into account enough good reasons for it. The need of the hour is to follow the government's decision and the people's decision," he said.

Former captain Anil Kumble, who retired from international cricket during the recent series against Australia, said it was a "good decision" under the circumstances.

"It is a good decision under the circumstances. We had known that we won't be travelling to Pakistan under the present situation", he said.

Ajit Wadekar, who led the country in some famous victories abroad, felt the Indian cricketers could not be safe in Pakistan under the circumstances and the government has taken a right decision.