Pakistan vs Australia | ACA chief hints at players' withdrawal from Pakistan tour

As Pakistan begins its preparations to host Australia after a 24-year long wait, the latest statement from The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) chief would certainly trigger disappointment within them.

Even after the tour has been given a green signal, few players might not board the flight to Pakistan as they still hold apprehension about visiting the country. ACA chief executive Todd Greenberg indicated that there might be a few pull-outs from the Aussie camp.

"Clearly there's some anxiety about touring, and that's perfectly natural given an Australian cricket team hasn't toured Pakistan for almost 25 years. I think we'll have a very full squad that will go," Greenberg said as quoted to SEN.

"We may have one or two players that won't be comfortable despite all of the advice and guidance that we provide, and that's okay. Along with Cricket Australia, we'll need to respect those players and give them our full support if they decide not to make this tour," he added.

Cricket Australia sent a four-member delegation to Pakistan to review the country's security and decide on the safety measures. Greenberg further stressed upon Australia's contribution to the 'global game'.

'The players completely understand our contribution to the global game. We don't have an expectation that we will sit here and expect teams to tour our country and not contribute ourselves," Greenberg stated.

"There's been an enormous amount of work on security detail and keeping players safe. That's priority No.1. On top of that is all the Covid protocols and the biosecurity rules and regulations.

Before the tour was confirmed, Greenberg assured that he will travel along with the team on their visit to Pakistan. 

"I've made an assurance to the players that they won't go alone. If they're going to Pakistan, I'll be going with them and I think that's important. It's an opportunity to show the players that we're in this together," Greenberg told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia's tour of Pakistan starts from March 4 with a three-match Test series. The red-ball games will be followed by three ODIs and a T20I.