Cricket Australia clear men's team tour of Pakistan in March

Australia's first visit to Pakistan since 1998 has received a final all-clear. The tour, which comprises three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I, has been on the cards since November 2021. Both boards have been making steady progress towards the series going ahead, and now after a final pre-trip security briefing Cricket Australia has given its full endorsement.

"I would like to thank the PCB and both the Pakistan and Australian Governments for ensuring the tour will proceed for the first time in 24 years," CA chief executive Nick Hockley said. "This is a historic occasion and important for the global growth and health of the game.

"I would also like to thank the Australian Cricketers' Association and the players, coaches, support teams, staff and security experts for their collaboration in the planning for the tour. We are looking forward to an exciting series between two world-class teams."

On Thursday, Test captain Pat Cummins confirmed most players were comfortable with the tour going ahead, while understanding and accepting a few may not make the trip.

"I think we'll get close to a full-strength squad," Cummins said. "There is still a little bit of work to do. We have received a lot of information and it has been great. All the pre-tour security and biosecurity work has been done and it's been fantastic."

Australia are expected to name their squad early next week. It will be their first overseas Test series since the 2019 Ashes. With matches going on until April 5, some of their players may not be available for the first few days of the IPL due to begin on March 27.