Karachi, Mar 11 The Pakistan Cricket Board today sought to dispel the notion that Australian cricketers' eagerness to play in the cash-rich Indian Premier League in April had prompted their Board to postpone the tour.

"I don't think the IPL had anything to do with it because Australia was supposed to end their tour by end of April and the IPL starts from the 18th," PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told a press conference.

Several Australian players including captain Ricky Pointing and allrounder Andrew Symonds have signed up to play in the lucrative Twenty20 competition.

Ashraf hoped the Australians decision to postpone their tour would not affect future events in Pakistan.

"We are determined to hold the Asia Cup in June and July and the participating countries have confirmed their participation. Asian Cricket Council officials are due on March 21 to finalise details with us," Ashraf said.

He insisted Pakistan remained a safe place to play cricket and the terrorist suicide bomb attacks had nothing to do with cricket.

"Obviously, we are disappointed and we tried our best to convince them to come. But it is a decision they have taken after much consideration and we have to accept that. But we will see this postponed series is held before we go to Australia in late 2009," Ashraf said.

He said the suicide bomb attacks in Lahore this morning had nothing to do with the Australian decision. (Agencies)