Pakistan tour a fine worry for Australia

Cricket Australia could run the risk of incurring a massive fine and putting the sport's power bloc offside if it opts out of this year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan due to security concerns.

There is doubt over touring Pakistan in September because of safety concerns that reportedly has Federation of International Cricketers' Associations worried nothing has changed from earlier this year, when Australia refused to visit that country.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) advised citizens on its website to reconsider need to travel to Pakistan because of "very high threat of terrorist attack, sectarian violence and unpredictable security situation".

CA said it was committed to visiting Pakistan later this year to defend the title Ricky Ponting's side won in India in 2006.

But spokesman Peter Young said CA's fundamental obligation was to ensure safety and security of its team and support staff.

Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Paul Marsh said players' union was "concerned" about security situation in Pakistan, but was still in process of gathering information.

Australia pulled out of tour scheduled for early this year due to security concerns over increase in violence following assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in December last.

Australia and Pakistan agreed for Ponting's side to visit to play one-day internationals in 2009 and Test matches in 2010.

But a withdrawal from a major International Cricket Council (ICC) event could have major implications for Australia, both financial and political.

ICC has power to fine member nations up to $2 million if they pull out of touring commitments, although they are usually exempt from sanctions if their withdrawals are based on genuine security concerns.

However that could change if ICC considers security in Pakistan to be adequate given Australia has signed a participation agreement to take part in biennial tournament.

An ICC spokesman said governing body expected all eight leading nations to take part this year, but did not rule out countries avoiding fines if they did not participate.

"It's a different situation to a bilateral tour (such as Australia's tour of Pakistan), so I don't know," he said. "It (a country withdrawing from a major event) hasn't happened, so I can't say if there would be a fine or a penalty or compensation to pay.

"The tournament is going ahead as planned, so that should indicate we're happy with the situation. We've got launch Wednesday in Lahore and it's all systems go now."

Australia would also incur wrath of powerful Asian bloc if they did not tour Pakistan amid a sensitive time given controversies which arose last summer against India.

CA refused to discuss possible ramifications of not touring. "We don't comment on hypotheticals," Young said. Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998, having also had three Tests in 2002 relocated to Sri Lanka & Sharjah due to security fears.