KARACHI, Jan 21: The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken out insurance for all home series, especially the upcoming tour by Australia, after security fears put them in doubt, officials said on Monday.

The PCB has covered itself against potential financial losses amid continuing unrest in the nuclear-armed Islamic republic following the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.

“We have insured our home series with the special mention of the series against Australia with a British company and in this way we can cover any financial losses,” PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told reporters.

Australia’s tour in March-April this year is particularly under threat following the murder of opposition leader Bhutto on December 27. The government has blamed Al-Qaeda for her killing.

Australian players have raised concerns about touring Pakistan due to a wave of suicide bombings and riots since Bhutto’s death.

But Nasim denied that Pakistan was unsafe for international teams.

“Pakistan is as safe as any country in the world and by getting insurance on the series we are not giving any wrong signals that they (Australia) should not come as we will get money on cancellation,” said Nasim.

Nasim refused to reveal the amount covered by the policy, but meanwhile said he had a “fruitful” meeting with Australia’s High Commissioner in Islamabad.

“I met the Australian HC last week and have assured top-level security for the Australian team. The president elect of the ICC (International Cricket Council) David Morgan of England has also urged the Australians to tour Pakistan, so we keep our fingers crossed.” Ashraf said Australia have a responsibility to tour here, a country they last played in 10 years ago. They refused to come to Pakistan in 2002 and the series was played in the neutral venues of Sri Lanka and Sharjah.

“Australia are world number one, so they have a responsibility and we hope they fulfil this responsibility and tour Pakistan.” Cricket Australia has adopted a “wait and see” policy on the tour, which is set to feature three Tests and five one-dayers.

CA is expected to send a security delegation after Pakistan’s general elections on February 18 before taking a final decision.—AFP