'Easy for teams to say no to Pakistan, can't do the same to India because money talks' - Usman Khawaja

Australia batter Usman Khawaja feels that Australia should go ahead with their tour of Pakistan next year. The Kangaroos are set to tour Pakistan in March 2022, but with New Zealand and England cancelling their series due to security issues, there are growing concerns among the Pakistan fans that Australia may also follow the same suit. Khawaja, who’s played 44 Tests, 40 ODIs and 9 T20Is for Australia feels that teams can easily say no to countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh but won’t have the courage to pull out of an India tour due to greater financial benefits.

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"I feel it's very easy for players and organisations to say no to Pakistan, because it's Pakistan," Khawaja is quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "I think the same thing would apply too, if it were Bangladesh. But nobody would say no to India, if they were in the same situation.

"Money talks, we all know that, and that's probably a big part of it. They keep proving time and time again through their tournaments that they're a safe place to play cricket. I think there's no reason why we shouldn't go back."

Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan and migrated to Australia said the global community should come together to help Pakistan restore cricket activities in their country. Over the last decade or so, teams have refrained from visiting Pakistan due to security issues despite Pakistan’s assurance of foolproof security.

Australia are scheduled to visit Pakistan for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in March 2022. However, they are keeping a keen on the developments in Pakistan. If Pakistan can successfully host West Indies in December this year, Australia may consider visiting the country. If West Indies too pull out, it will be difficult for PCB to convince CA to send their team to Pakistan.