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The Australian Cricket is playing Pakistan in a historic Test series dubbed as the Benaud - Qadir Trophy in Pakistan. The Aussies return to Pakistan for the first time since 1998 where the visitors won 3-0 in the One Day Internationals and 1-0 in the five-game Test series. But the Australia- Pakistan series could be called off due to a bomb explosion in Peshawar.
According to a report by the ANI, which stated, “at least 30 people killed and more than 50 injured in a bomb explosion during Friday prayers at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan.” As the Test series kicks off in Rawalpindi which is just 187 Km away from Peshawar. Later Rawalpindi is also set to host the five-game one-day international series Hence the Aus-Pak series could be cancelled citing security issues.
The speculations regarding the cancellation of the tour are also high because the Australian Board had some concerns over the security arrangements before the start of the series. According to a source close to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, talked about the Aussie team’s apprehensions about the viability of the tour. The source was quoted saying, "We're all toey about it."
National selector George Bailey discussed how the security plans were "very, very robust and very, very thorough”. He also said, "I believe the boards are still working through some of the minor details around that tour, so once that gets the formal tick of approval then we'll announce the squad post that, but we're reasonably well down the track."
In 2021, New Zealand had withdrawn from their tour in Pakistan citing a security threat, which was denied by the Pakistan Cricket Board. This cancellation also led to England calling off their Pakistan tour. The English Board reasoned “mental and physical well-being” of players and security concerns.
The security issues have been the main reason for Australia not touring in Pakistan since 1998. Whereas they have played their away matches against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, the Taliban's takeover of their neighboring country Afghanistan has also added more complications regarding security for foreign teams entering the country.
