Symonds fear over Pakistan tour
Monday, 31 December 2007
Australia's Andrew Symonds has voiced his concerns over the March 2008 tour of Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto last Thursday, reports BBC.
Cricket Australia has confirmed its commitment to the tour.
But 32-year-old all-rounder Symonds said he was deeply concerned about the level of security in Pakistan.
"I'm not interested in going into a situation that's dangerous, where people are getting killed and hurt," Symonds told Brisbane's Sunday Mail.
"There's no point in that, in my opinion.
"At the end of the day, it's a game of cricket. I take my cricket very seriously and I love playing for Australia but I'm not going to put myself in a situation where I can be harmed.
"There's no need, not for a game of cricket. That's how I stand at the moment.
"I'll be closely monitoring things and learning more about how their country is being run from the political side of things.
"You personally choose whether you want to play for Australia. If you're selected, you can choose to decline the offer of going on a tour or playing a game."
Speaking Friday, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said: "There's a commitment to tour Pakistan and we'll be pursuing every avenue for that tour to go ahead.
"At the same time, we have absolutely as top priority the safety and security of our players and employees.
"That is what we'll be focused on as we review all the relevant circumstances."
He continued: "We'll be taking all the necessary advice ahead of the tour so we know whether it's actually appropriate or not to be making that visit."
The Australians are due to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 game in Pakistan, their first full tour of the country since 1998.
The 2002 series between the two sides was played at neutral venues in Sharjah and Sri Lanka because of security concerns.
Cricket Australia has confirmed its commitment to the tour.
But 32-year-old all-rounder Symonds said he was deeply concerned about the level of security in Pakistan.
"I'm not interested in going into a situation that's dangerous, where people are getting killed and hurt," Symonds told Brisbane's Sunday Mail.
"There's no point in that, in my opinion.
"At the end of the day, it's a game of cricket. I take my cricket very seriously and I love playing for Australia but I'm not going to put myself in a situation where I can be harmed.
"There's no need, not for a game of cricket. That's how I stand at the moment.
"I'll be closely monitoring things and learning more about how their country is being run from the political side of things.
"You personally choose whether you want to play for Australia. If you're selected, you can choose to decline the offer of going on a tour or playing a game."
Speaking Friday, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said: "There's a commitment to tour Pakistan and we'll be pursuing every avenue for that tour to go ahead.
"At the same time, we have absolutely as top priority the safety and security of our players and employees.
"That is what we'll be focused on as we review all the relevant circumstances."
He continued: "We'll be taking all the necessary advice ahead of the tour so we know whether it's actually appropriate or not to be making that visit."
The Australians are due to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 game in Pakistan, their first full tour of the country since 1998.
The 2002 series between the two sides was played at neutral venues in Sharjah and Sri Lanka because of security concerns.