Media release

11 March 2008

Cricket Australia Postpones Tour

I welcome today’s decision by Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board to postpone the Australian Cricket Team’s planned tour of Pakistan.

The agreement reached between the two boards is a welcome outcome in light of the uncertainty surrounding the tour.

The Australian Government has provided Cricket Australia with relevant information about the situation in Pakistan throughout its consideration of the issue.

I am of the strong view that the safety and welfare of the players and the touring group has been uppermost in the minds of Cricket Australia in making this decision.

The Australian Government takes very seriously the safety of all Australians travelling overseas and we recognise the difficult political and security challenges the Pakistan Government is currently facing.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555