BBC SPORT | Cricket | Pakistan's dual mission

Pakistan plan to use their short tour to Australia to try and persuade their hosts that it is safe for them to make reciprocal visits later this year.

Waqar Younis' side have arrived for the three-match Super Challenge II series, which will feature two games played indoors at Melbourne's Colonial Stadium.

But they have a double agenda, with Australia due to play one-day internationals in Pakistan in August and then return the following month for a Test series.

That trip is in serious doubt because of the current military stand-off with India and last week the Foreign Ministry urged all Australians in the two countries to leave because of fears for their safety.

Despite that, Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar said: "We're hoping it will go ahead. It is my earnest desire that the Australians come to Pakistan.

"Yes, I can easily understand their reluctance. If it doesn't take place in Pakistan, then hopefully it will take place somewhere else."

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed
Yawar Saeed: Fingers crossed for home series

Team manager Yawar Saeed plans to use their current visit to do what he can to re-assure Australian officials.

"We are all very keen that they should go to Pakistan and whatever discussions that are required will be done by me at this level."

It seems more likely that the Australian Cricket Board will only allow their players to travel if the games take place at a neutral venue.

Sharjah and Morocco are possible alternatives, with the latter set to stage a triangular series between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa if a new stadium in Tangiers is approved by the International Cricket Council.

"We have heard that it is far superior even to Sharjah.

"The ICC is due to visit next week to Ok the facilities and from what we've heard, certainly it will be OK."

The first order of business, however, is Super Challenge II, which begins on 12 June.

The second game takes place three days later with the final match at The Gabba in Brisbane on 19 June.

Pakistan have lost batsman Misbah-ul-Haq from their original 14-man squad because he is suffering from hepatitis, but have decided against calling up a replacement.


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