Aussies may host Pakistan if security fears persist - ICC

Australia might host a three-game Test series against Pakistan in a reverse fixture later this year if Steve Waugh's side pull out of their tour of the subcontinent over security fears.

Although several neutral venues, including Sharjah and Morocco, have been put forward, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed said Australia would be given first choice if the series were switched from Pakistan.

Speed said in an interview on Australian television: "Our current rules say the first option is to go to the visiting country and see if it can be played there.

"If the tournament can be run at a profit we would like it to go ahead."

The two boards will discuss the issue over the next two weeks when Australia play host to Pakistan in a three-game limited overs series starting on Wednesday.

The tour to Pakistan is almost certain to be scrapped following the suicide bombing in Karachi in early May which led to New Zealand terminating their tour. The bombing took place outside the hotel being used by both teams.

Several Australian players have since said they do not want to travel to Pakistan.

Mail Cricket Editor