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A delegation led by ACA CEO Todd Greenberg will travel to Pakistan, according to a statement.
However, the final sanction for Australia’s trip to Pakistan has not yet been given.
First, visit Pak since 1998 if given the go-ahead
Since Mark Taylor’s side won the three-Test series 1-0 in 1998, this will be Australia’s first trip to Pakistan since then.
According to Todd Greenberg, president of the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA), he will accompany the team to Pakistan, if the tour is approved, but he will understand if “one or two” of the players decide not to go on the trip. It will be Australia’s first visit to Pakistan since Mark Taylor’s side won the three-match series 1-0 in 1998 if the team receives security clearance to go.
“The players have my word that they will not be left on their own. I believe it is critical that I accompany them if they travel to Pakistan. Show the players that we’re all in this together “Tells Sydney Morning Herald’s Greenberg.
“After accompanying Cricket Australia on a pre-tour of Pakistan late last year, the ACA had nothing but good things to say about the trip.
DFAT and other government organizations’ instructions will be followed because we must be able to reassure not only the players but also their families that it is safe to tour. Since the terrorist attack on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009, international teams have been reluctant to travel to Pakistan.
The West Indies will play a Twenty20 series in Pakistan in December 2021, however international players have competed in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Greenberg is aware that some cricketers may be reluctant to travel to Pakistan despite the assurances of safety, but he will not compel them to do so.
Some athletes won’t be happy no matter what we say, and that’s fine. We need to respect that. Interim CA chair Richard Freudenstein may possibly visit Pakistan, unless a new permanent chair is selected by then, according to a story in SMH. CA chief executive Nick Hockley is reportedly intending to travel to Pakistan for at least some of the tour.
Before this year’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand, and England had canceled their excursions to Pakistan because of cricket’s establishment’s displeasure.
However, Ramiz Raja, the PCB’s chief executive officer, lamented that the “western bloc” was doing little to aid cricket nations in uniting. Australians should do the same as England and New Zealand did to them, he added, expecting them to do the same.
In order to fulfill their international obligations, Greenberg stated that they would allow players to make their own decisions.
“Some of the players will say, “You know what? This is not for me right now in my life and career,” and we’ll have to be patient and nice with them.
If it is true, Greenberg told SEN Radio during the SCG Test match, “we need to have enormous regard for that.
