Pakistan mull over series switch

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that they were actively considering a proposal to switch a home series to Australia because of security concerns.

"We have given it serious consideration and it will be discussed with Australian officials in London (at an ICC meeting next week)," PCB director Brigadier Munawar Rana told Reuters.

"We know the situation is difficult."

Australia had been due to visit Pakistan for a one-day tournament and three tests in October but several of their players said they were reluctant to travel after recent bombings in Karachi.

Eleven people were killed last week while the New Zealand cricket team cut short their tour in May after a blast near their hotel cost 12 lives.

The Australian Cricket Board has since suggested they could host Pakistan instead.

The ICC meeting in London will also discuss the impact cancelled tours are having on its 10-year test programme.

Pakistan pressed for compensation at the last ICC meeting in March for the cancelled tours, which also saw West Indies refuse to travel to the country.

Pakistan are currently playing a three-match one-day series in Australia.

Mail Cricket Editor