MELBOURNE, June 14: The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) gave its strongest hint yet on Friday that they were ready to cancel their planned tour of Pakistan due to safety fears.

ACB chief executive James Sutherland issued a statement after the latest fatal bomb blast in Pakistan saying Australia was waiting for further information from the Pakistan Cricket Board before making a final decision on the tour.

Sutherland said the ACB did not want to make a hasty decision after the latest attack, in which at least eight people were killed when a bomb exploded outside the United States consulate in Karachi.

“This tragic event increases concern about the tour,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“As I’ve said before, any decision of this nature is based on the safety of our players and team management.

“We are continuing to take advice from the relevant experts and hold discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“We will make the decision at the right time, there is no reason to rush into a decision today.”

Australia pulled out of their tour of Zimbabwe this year because of security concerns and a number of senior players have already said they will refuse to go to Pakistan. The tour is planned for September and October.

The chief executive of the International Cricket Council, Malcolm Speed, said last week the series could be switched to Australia or a neutral venue.

Hayden, Gillispie to miss SECOND game: Matthew Hayden on Friday withdrew from Australia’s second one-dayer against Pakistan to be with his wife who is expecting the couple’s first child.

The opening batsman left the team in Melbourne to fly back home to Queensland, the Australian Cricket Board said in a statement.

Hayden was replaced by Jimmy Maher in one of two changes to the side that thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in Wednesday’s first game of the three-match series.

Fast bowler Brett Lee was included for Saturday’s game at the expense of Jason Gillespie, who was relegated to 12th man.

Pakistan were expected to name their side on Saturday, the ACB said. The third and final match of the series takes place in Brisbane next Wednesday.

Australia team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Bevan, Andy Bichel, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Jimmy Maher, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Damien Martyn, Shane Watson. 12th man: Jason Gillespie.—Reuters