Reports: Australian cricketers concerned about Pakistan tour amid terrorist attacks

Australia are set to tour Pakistan for the first time in almost 24 years and fans have marked their calendars. It will be a full-fledged tour, comprising three Tests, as many ODIs and a solitary T20I, starting from March 3. However, some dark clouds are looming over the fixtures with Aussie players being reportedly concerned about security issues.

A number of recent deadly attacks, including one in Lahore, where the Australians will spend most of the tour, have left the players unsettled. It must be noted that international cricket in Pakistan came to a halt after the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked during the 2009 tour. Although several international games have taken place in the country in recent years, several players have been apprehensive of visiting the Asian nation.

Bomb blast in Lahore leaves Australian players unsettled

In fact, New Zealand cricket team also cancelled their Pakistan tour last year citing security concerns. Now, it has been reported that Aussie players are also worried about the same due to the recent attacks. “We’re all toey about it,” one source close to the team told the Herald and The Age.

As per a report in the Associated Press, a powerful bomb struck a crowded bazaar in Lahore recently, killing at least three people and wounding 28. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia in a statement had said that the security of the players is their top priority.

“Cricket Australia (CA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board continue to work closely in planning the tour and are in regular contact with our respective governments. “A constructive pre-tour visit of Pakistan was undertaken by CA and Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) representatives in December, with detailed planning and preparation for the tour ongoing,” the statement said.

“We continue to have regular and open discussions with our players and support staff on the extensive security, biosecurity and operational arrangements for the tour,” it read further.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia on Tuesday (January 25) announced their squad for next month’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in Australia. However, they delayed announcing a preliminary squad for the Pakistan tour. As per the developments, a full-strength Aussie team is expected to visit Pakistan for the historic series.