By Chloe Saltau
CRICKET Australia is prepared to weather another subcontinental storm by sticking to independent security advice that has all but condemned its tour of Pakistan.
CA chairman Creagh O'Connor wrote to the Pakistan Cricket Board explaining that it had been advised not to send the team to the Islamic republic in March and April because of the dangerous political climate.
"In the letter, they have reiterated their commitment to supporting us - but at the same time, they have said they have got security briefings advising them against playing in Pakistan at this time," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said in Karachi.
Ashraf's comments suggest the series is highly unlikely to go ahead, and follow his earlier warning that the very existence of the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program could be threatened if the world champions create a precedent by declining to tour.
In outlining the repercussions of such a decision, he refused to rule out a boycott of Pakistan's tour to Australia next year - although this would seem an empty threat since countries face a $2.2 million fine for failing to fulfil their commitments under the FTP unless there are genuine security concerns or they are prevented from touring by their government.
CA insists it is yet to make a decision and is awaiting the outcome of the February 18 elections, which could help restore stability to the country.
Officials are adamant, however, that security assessments will guide their decision, and they will not be influenced by the potential political fallout.
"We are very sympathetic to the PCB's concerns and frustrations and passion to see this tour go ahead, but our pragmatic view is that the decision will be based on the safety and security advice we are given. We haven't reached that point yet," a CA spokesman said.
"The letter was designed to communicate that there are significant obstacles facing us as we contemplate this tour. It doesn't say those obstacles are a show-stopper. We are still working through the process."
Subcontinental tensions are already running high following the Harbhajan Singh race controversy, India's attack on Australian sportsmanship after the fractious Sydney Test last month and the sponsorship dispute that threatens Australian players' involvement in the Indian Premier League.