The chances of Australia touring Pakistan in March-April appear to have dimmed considerably with Cricket Australia officials conveying this message recently in Dubai.

CA Chairman Creagh O’Connor told his Pakistan counterpart Nasim Ashraf that chances of the tour going ahead were very slim as their players had serious reservations about the security situation in Pakistan and there were also concerns at the government level, sources privy to the meeting last week said.

O’Connor reiterated an offer to instead play the series of three Tests and five One-dayers in either neutral venues or at some selected Australian venues, one source disclosed.

He said after the meeting, Ashraf was pessimistic about Australia touring Pakistan as per the ICC future tours programme.

But he told his Australian counterpart that before reaching a decision, they should send their security consultants to Pakistan after the general elections on February 18 to visit the proposed venues and get the complete picture from top officials.

O’Connor agreed to do that but made it clear the overall scenario was not very bright for the tour to take place, the source informed.