A decision on the venue for Pakistan's one-day series against Australia and New Zealand in August is expected by the end of this week.

But England is a decreasing possibility because of logistical difficulties.

The ongoing threat of terrorism, and tension with India, continues to rule out any international cricket in Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said: "We have suggested to Australia to play the tri-series in England in early August, and we will talk to the England and Wales Cricket Board."

But International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed told BBC Sport Online that it was now unlikely that the plan would go ahead.

"Until a couple of days ago it was a real possibility," he said.

"But we realised that with time zone issues, the sale of television rights was not feasible."

Pakistan are left with few options after Australia all but ruled out touring to play the tri-series, and a Test series in October.

Fears of war

A suicide bomb blast outside team's hotel in Karachi forced New Zealand to cut short its tour by one Test in May.

Another suicide blast outside US Consulate in the same city increased security fears.

The majority of foreign diplomats have left Pakistan over fears of war with India which have since eased.

A new stadium in the Moroccan city of Tangiers, and desert venue Sharjah now look the likeliest options, after an ICC decision last October that series could be shifted to neutral venues.

And Australia have hinted that they are prepared to play at a neutral venue or swap the tri-series and the Test series.

Gen Zia said: "The Australian Cricket Board offered us two Tests without any TV rights revenues.

"After Pakistan's recent success over Australia we feel that the tri-series and Test series will attract good crowds and our broadcasters would be willing to pay a good sum."

But there is only a limited window for the tournament, with Pakistan playing another triangular series in Tangiers from 12 to 21 August.

And all 10 Test nations are involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka from 12-29 September - the reason the tour was originally split between Tests and one-dayers.

Reporting by Shahid Hashmi in Pakistan and Oliver Brett at Lord's.