Cricket Australia softens stance on Pakistan return

PCB is keen on hosting two ODIs on home soil in March next year

Cricket Australia have reportedly eased their stance on a possible tour of Pakistan in March next year.

According to The Age, Cricket Australia were less decisive in their latest opinion on this matter as compared to previous occasions — when they were far more reluctant about visiting Pakistan.

"We are in ongoing discussions with the PCB about the one-day tour in March next year. We recognise the PCB and the Pakistan government are taking every step to improve the security for touring cricket teams and we’ll continue discussions with the PCB, with the safety and security of Australian players and support staff being our number one priority," said a CA spokesman.

The statement came after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s newly appointed Managing Director Wasim Khan said — in various interviews — that he is willing to address all reservations, which are stopping international sides from visiting Pakistan.

Khan had also said that he hopes Australia will visit Pakistan to play at least part of the five-match one-day series currently scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in March.

It has also been reported that PCB is keen on hosting the opening two matches against Aaron Finch's side, with the remaining three in the UAE.

Most cricket nations have avoided touring Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998 — when they played three Tests and three one-day internationals under the captaincy of Mark Taylor.