Australia confirm Pakistan tours

Australia will tour Pakistan in 2009 and 2010 after this year’s scheduled tour was cancelled due to security fears.

Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed that the sides will meet in April and May 2009 and again in 2010.

Australia, who have not toured Pakistan since 1998/99, will host the return series at the end of 2009.

"Although disappointed that the tour couldn't be completed as originally scheduled, the PCB is very pleased that the Australian team will come to play in Pakistan twice, in 2009 and again in 2010," said PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf.

"Our discussions with Cricket Australia showed both countries' strong desire to ensure the postponed matches were played in Pakistan.”

Australia's 2009 tour of Pakistan will consist of five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international following their commitments in South Africa.

Pakistan will then travel to Australia for three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international before Australia return to Pakistan in August-September 2010 to play three Tests, with final dates and venues to be agreed depending on each nation's Future Tours Program obligations.

"The announcement demonstrates Cricket Australia's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the FTP and also to Pakistan cricket," added Cricket Australia chairman Creagh O'Connor.

"We're pleased to have reached agreement to travel to Pakistan to complete the postponed matches and to play in them in Australia as agreed under the FTP."