Oz Government Rubbish Rumours

Australia's foreign minister has dismissed suggestions that his nation's tour of Pakistan was scrapped because of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The world champions announced on Tuesday that they would postpone their tour of the troubled country, which has witnessed a spate of suicide bombings since the general election.

But Australia have not actually toured Pakistan since 1998 and the fact that a number of their senior players have signed up to the inaugural IPL, which begins on April 18, has raised suspicion in some circles.

Foreign minister Stephen Smith has denied the new Twenty20 tournament entered into the decision process though, with Cricket Australia (CA) now looking to arrange a one-day series in the unscheduled six-week gap that exists.

"I have seen suggestions that somehow the decision by Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board is related to proposed Twenty20 games in India. I absolutely reject that suggestion,"

Smith said.

"What was most concerning for Cricket Australia was the safety, security and welfare of their players on any proposed tour."