KARACHI,  (Reuters) – The International Cricket  Council should give serious consideration to organising a proper  break before major tournaments, Pakistan captain Younis Khan  said yesterday.

The Champions Trophy starts in South Africa next week and  some teams are still involved in international series.

“There is too much cricket being played before the Champions  Trophy. I think it is only fair that before such a major event  players should get a break from international matches,” Younis  told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.

Australia and England finish a one-day series just two days  before the start of the eight-nation Champions Trophy, while a  tri-series involving India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended only  on Sunday.

Younis said international cricketers were under great  pressure because of the packed calendar, adding that the quality  of the sport was suffering.

“It would be ideal if the ICC and its boards can agree to  say a 10-day break in the international calendar before a World  Cup or Champions Trophy which are major events,” he said.

Younis said too much international cricket also tended to  dilute interest in tournaments.

“Every board and team naturally has its own way of looking at  how the international cricket calendar should be run or  organizing their commitments before a major event. But I think  the ICC can enforce a uniform policy when it comes to a World  Cup or Champions Trophy,” he added.

“One series ends and the next one begins soon after and the  players don’t get a chance to take a proper break to recharge  themselves. It is also adding to the fitness problems of  players.”

Pakistan, who won this year’s World Twenty20 tournament,  have had a long break to prepare for the Champions Trophy with  their last match on Aug. 12.

“The last time we went to the T20 World Cup in England in  June we had not played much cricket. But the players were fresh  and it worked for us. This time also we have done our  preparations for the Champions Trophy,” he said.