Australia sees no tour to Pakistan 'in short term'

E-Paper | February 23, 2026

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said he does not expect Australia to play in Pakistan “in the short term.”

Sutherland was responding to a call from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for more teams to tour Pakistan, following the current tour of a World XI which is playing three Twenty20 matches.

Pakistan has hosted only one international tour a limited-overs series against Zimbabwe in 2015 since militants attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009, wounding six players.

Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998.

Australia is scheduled to play in Pakistan next year but Sutherland on Friday expressed doubt that tour would be possible.

“I don't see in the short term there are any plans for us to play in Pakistan“ he added.

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Anand Ibbay

Sep 15, 2017 02:49pm

Its okay. It will take a while to develop the scenario. Positive things are developing. Gradually the process ODI in Pakistan will start. By now, Thanks to WI Players and other international players who have visited Lahore and see the ground realities by themselves.

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Abid

Sep 15, 2017 02:50pm

Australia just can't compete against Pakistan on Pakistan soil! Everything else are just excuses...

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Muhammad Tahir Jamali

Sep 15, 2017 02:53pm

Cricket Australia should plan Pakistan cricket tour according to ICC Rules & Regulations.

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Shahid

Sep 15, 2017 02:56pm

@Abid what a lame comment

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Raj

Sep 15, 2017 02:59pm

Australia is the least supporting country when it comes to cricket. Should have come up with a more responsible statement. Should've atleast encouraged these steps taken in pakistan!

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AMIN

Sep 15, 2017 03:15pm

Teams from WI, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe will only visit and that too on higher payments.

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Ali Raza

Sep 15, 2017 03:22pm

If the environment in the country is like today then they should come to Pakistan otherwise refuse to play with them. Some time PCB should put Pakistan above money.

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jaydeep

Sep 15, 2017 03:45pm

@Raj Why does not the Indian cricket team tour Pakistan, We have been coming up with excuses for a long time to playing in Pakistan.

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LILLY

Sep 15, 2017 05:49pm

@Abid Only such statements will kill you and your sport in your own country. These loose talks are the blocks for any kind of sport in the country. Before commenting anything about Australia and Australian Cricket, just know that they are pioneers of the sport. Australians are playing crickets many centuries ago while the greater Indian subcontinent was serving the British masters as their loyal slaves.

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Ozair

Sep 15, 2017 06:58pm

Australia should not visit England also by that account

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Dr. Balochi

Sep 15, 2017 11:40pm

Rightly said. I don't see Australia, England, New Zealand and India touring Pakistan in near future. Zimbabwe, Kenya, West Indies and Sri Lanka may come, but they will demand their piece of cake, which may not be financially viable.

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Harsha Subbaiah

Sep 16, 2017 09:46am

Snap back to reality! Was a line said by Eminem in a song named lose yourself! Fits the moment!

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M. Emad

Sep 16, 2017 02:23pm

Cricket Australia toured Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chittagong) from 22 August to 8 September 2017.

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Ali Vaqar Awan

Sep 16, 2017 07:55pm

Australia is just making excuses not to play in Pakistan when Pakistan is safe for sporting activities. Australians do not live in Pakistan so how they know what happens in Pakistan.

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QADIR KHAN BALOUCH

Sep 16, 2017 10:45pm

We shall beat you on any soil -no worries - u ain't welcome. Quit insulting Pakistan like you are angels dawning upon us.

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schali

Sep 17, 2017 03:47am

@Abid You think that will make them to come. Please have patience and let them be convinced that Pakistan can hold the matches with no incidents.

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