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Cricket

Pakistan tour worries Symonds

30/12/2007

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has voiced doubts about whether he will join the rest of his side for their upcoming tour of Pakistan.

The 32-year-old is worried the country's volatile political situation could endanger his personal safety if he travels on the March tour.

Symonds and the rest of his team-mates were taking on India in the Boxing Day Test as former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

He told the Brisbane Sunday Mail there was "huge concern" about the situation among the Australian Test side.

"After stumps we watched the television report in the dressing room and the entire room stopped to listen to it," he said.

Cricket Australia faces a fine if it cancels the tour and the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly offered extravagant security levels to Ricky Ponting's team.

If the tour goes ahead Symonds is uncertain if he will choose to stay with the side. He is currently seeking advice on the extent of the security risk.

"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," he added.

"There's no need, not for a game of cricket."