KARACHI, Feb 7: Pakistan's tour of India later this year looks set to force Australian cricket authorities to reschedule their traditional home season. India are due to tour Australia but because of the home series against Pakistan they will only arrive in the country in mid-December, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said on Wednesday.

Australia usually begin their international season in late November with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne normally the third or fourth match of the series. “The Indians have confirmed our tour will run from Nov. 2 through to mid-December after which they fly to Australia,” Saleem Altaf said. Pakistan will play three Tests and five One-day Internationals in India.

South Africa and Australia have also confirmed tours to Pakistan. “South Africa will reach Pakistan on Sept. 25 to play two Tests and five one-dayers while the Australians come from March 9 in 2008,” Saleem said.

Pakistan also host Zimbabwe in three One-day Internationals next January.

The changes in the tour dates have been forced by the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa this year, the final of which is due to be played on Sept. 24.

“The Twenty20 tournament has prompted these changes as there were no other options available to us,” Saleem said. - Reuters