Cricket Australia has threatened to call off Australia-Pakistan series if Pakistan select players aligned with the ICL.

The tournament could run into trouble as Sindh High Court granted an interim order lifting the ban on nineteen cricketers who have joined the Indian Cricket League (ICL), can play in Pakistan’s domestic competition.

The ‘Herald Sun’ newspaper reported that Australia may boycott the five-match one-day series between Australia and Pakistan to be held at a neutral venue in April if players like Mohammad Yousuf, who play their trade in the ICL, are selected in the Pakistan team.

“Cricket Australia does not support the ICL and could boycott the one-day series should players from the outcast Twenty20 tournament be selected for Pakistan,” the report said.

Pakistan Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani was quoted as saying by the report that his government was keen for the likes of Yousuf to once again play for the national side despite being blacklisted by International Cricket Council.

“We would like them (ICL players) to come back to Pakistan team, everybody should get the chance to play for Pakistan. It is ultimately for PCB to decide,” he said.

“If our board thinks India is being adversarial or influencing ICC, they should speak so that Pakistan can get a favourable outcome, whatever the politics that are going on.” Pakistan and Australia have agreed to play the ODI series in United Arab Emirates due to security fears.