Minutes after the blasts, Cricket Australia (CA) conveyed its decision to its Pakistani counterpart and the boards later said in a joint statement that new dates for the tour would be decided soon.

"The Chairmen of the two boards will meet in Dubai next weekend to further discuss possible dates for the deferred tour," the statement said.

"The ICC Future Tours Program is complex and changes require extensive consultation with other member boards with whom Australia and Pakistan have existing commitments. This process will be undertaken over coming weeks," it added.

Commenting on the decision, CA Chairman Creagh O'Connor said, "We are very sorry that the tour could not take place at this time. This was a difficult decision based on independent review of the circumstances prevailing in Pakistan at the moment.

"We wish no loss to Pakistan Cricket Board and look forward to undertaking this tour in the near future," he said.

His Pakistani counterpart Nasim Ashraf said, "We are obviously very disappointed at this decision.