Picture Credit: Getty Images
Australia Test captain Tim Paine has made a huge statement with regards to Australia's tour of Pakistan set to happen in March-April 2022. While this will be Australia's first tour of the South Asian country in 24 years, Paine said that some of the players in the camp will not be "comfortable" touring Pakistan next year.
On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia had confirmed that the Kangaroos will play three Test matches, three ODIs and a one-off T20I in Pakistan next year. However, it is to be noted that the tour will go ahead only after a security clearance is given.
Paine made this remark while speaking to Australian radio station SEN and admitted that some players may not be on board with the scheduled tour of Pakistan.
There might be some people who aren’t comfortable going to Pakistan: Paine
"There’ll be some guys who will be happy to take the experts’ advice and others will want to know a bit more," Paine told SEN radio.
"If we’re totally honest, there might be some people who aren’t comfortable going regardless," he added.
He further added that there will be issues that might pop up as and when the scheduled start of tour draws near. He stated that the team will have to discuss everything in detail and hoped that they would get the right answers.
"Hopefully, we will get the best team we can," he said, suggesting that the decision to be on the tour will rest with the individuals and not the team.
Australia playing in our backyard will be a special treat for the fans: PCB Chairman
The last time an Australian side played in Pakistan was in 1998 when Mark Taylor was the captain and he led his troops to a 1-0 win. Meanwhile, the PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has extended his welcome to the Australian contingent.
"I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan. From a personal point of view, it pleases me that we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight," PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying.
"Australia are one of the high-performing sides and them playing in our backyard for the first time after a gap of 24 years will be a special treat for the fans," he added.