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KARACHI, Friday (Reuters) An Australian cricket board (ACB) official said on Friday a scheduled tour to Pakistan was likely to go ahead in October providing adequate security was in place.

"We are proceeding on the basis that the tour will go ahead. Once we confirm the facilities and security for our players, there will be no cause for concerns," Richard Watson, the ACB's general manager for cricket operations said.

Watson was visiting southern Karachi's national stadium with Tim May, the chief executive officer of the Australian cricketers' association (ACA), and ACB security expert Reg Dickson on the first day of a week-long reconnaissance trip.

The delegation is also due to meet representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), police and government officials.

Watson said the pre-tour checks in Pakistan were the same as for any destination.

"We don't treat Pakistan as any different from Sri Lanka or England or South Africa. We do the same check list and do the same negotiations in every country," he said.

"If the safety and security of our players is guaranteed the tour will go on."

New Zealand cancelled a visist to Pakistan last year following the September 11 attacks while the home series against West Indies was shifted to Sharjah over continuing security concerns.

Australia are expected to play three tests and at least three one-day internationals in Pakistan.

Watson said Australia would aim to fit in as many matches as possible but options were limited due to an international knock-out trophy in September and a tour to Australia by England from November 7.

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