New Zealand have pulled out of Pakistan's forthcoming one-day tri-series, due to begin on August 27, though Australia have confirmed their participation in the event.

New Zealand's decision follows a lengthy search for an acceptable venue, after security fears prevented the series from taking place in Pakistan. Kenya's Gymkhana ground in Nairobi was eventually agreed upon, and Kenya themselves may now be invited to take New Zealand's place, to drum up local interest.

"Australia have given us a favourable response and will play in the triangular series," said Chishty Mujahid, the Pakistan Cricket Board director. "We are now considering two options after New Zealand's unavailability. The first option is to ask Australia to play a series of six to seven one-day internationals. The second is to include Kenya in place of New Zealand in the triangular series."

The PCB's director, Brigadier Munawar Rana announced that the tournament would be treated as a home series for Pakistan: "We will have to bear all essential expenses for hosting the series," he said. "It is obvious that our profits or revenues would definitely be reduced by having to play a home series at a neutral venue."

Cricket is not a major sport in Kenya, and ticket sales for the ICC Trophy in 2000 were sluggish for all but India's matches. The PCB, who have lost an estimated $25m through cancelled tours, can expect to suffer further, and even Kenya's participation may not improve matters.

"It's disappointing that New Zealand is not coming, "added Mujahid, "because Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand playing a one-day tournament is a great attraction."

New Zealand cut short a visit to Pakistan in May after a bomb went off close to the team hotel, killing 14 people, although NZC's chief executive, Martin Snedden, later acknowledged that the Pakistan authorities had done "everything reasonably possible" to guarantee the safety of the team.

"NZC now owes us a Test and now this tri-series," added Mujahid, "so we will discuss the matter through correspondence."

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