April 07, 2008	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1429

LAHORE, April 6: The Australian cricket team are likely to split their March-April postponed tour of Pakistan to play Tests and One-Day International matches in two phases, sources said on Sunday.

Sources said that final decision regarding the matter will be announced next week.

When contacted, PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf neither confirmed nor denied the report only to add that the decision of Australia’s tour to Pakistan was in its final stages.

“I am quite satisfied with the progress made on Australia’s tour to Pakistan and there is no need for me to go to Australia to settle the issue. I am unable to disclose any details about the tour at the moment, but can only say that things are moving in a satisfactory way,” he added.

The chairman, however, admitted that the tour may be possible next year as the Australians didn’t have time for it this year.

The Australians, who were to visit Pakistan in March-April this year, had deferred from it due to security concerns.

“We are doing our best to save the tour as it is beneficial for Pakistan to avoid both cricket and financial losses,” he said.

Sources said that the Australians are likely to first come here to play five One-day matches in a short tour of around 15 days to return some time later to play three Test matches. The decision was taken keeping in mind both the countries’ hectic schedule.

To provide Pakistani cricketers with a flavour of international cricket after the postponement of this year’s Australian tour, the PCB has invited Bangladesh to play five One-day matches and one Twenty20.