Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have urged Australia not to call off their tour of Pakistan after a car bomb blast last week forced New Zealand to abandon their tour. "Last week's event was unfortunate," Waqar said, "but overall this beautiful world has become vulnerable to all sorts of mishaps, so why single out Pakistan?

"I would say to the Australians not to take hasty decisions and rule out cricket in Pakistan because we are committed to hosting good, positive cricket.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board provided the New Zealand team with the best security and they praised it but unfortunately an event which was beyond anyone's control took place."

"Fans in Pakistan would love to see Pakistan play Australia," Wasim added, "and I hope no hasty decision is taken.

"Australia beat us at home and then in Australia three seasons back so I would love to have another chance against them on home grounds.

"It would be an exciting prelude to next year's World Cup: Pakistan play Australia in Australia, then a one-day tri-series followed by a Test series."

Pakistan meet Australia in two indoor games in the Colonial stadium in Melbourne and in an outdoor game in Brisbane next month, a series between the two finalists of the 1999 World Cup which is triggering huge interest.

Australia have hinted at playing Pakistan at neutral venues like Sharjah, Morocco or Bangladesh.

"Playing at a neutral venue would be depriving Pakistani people of excitment," Akram said. "Cricket is a passion in Pakistan and people would love to see it on their grounds."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd