Karachi/Melbourne, Mar 11 Australia today scrapped its cricket tour of Pakistan barely a few hours after twin bomb blasts rocked Lahore, a decision which cleared the decks for their star cricketers to take part in next month's Indian Premier League.

Shortly after the blasts which left a number of people killed, Cricket Australia (CA) conveyed the decision to Pakistan Board, putting an end to months of speculation on whether the tour would go ahead.

The two Boards issued a joint statement, announcing that new dates for the tour would be decided soon.

"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," CA Chairman Creagh O'Connor said.

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

Australia were scheduled to tour Pakistan later this month but the deteriorating law and order situation since the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December first led to trimming of their itinerary and eventually its postponement.

CA Chief Executive James Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne that they tried their best to make the tour possible but had to postpone it after the latest carnage.

"We've left no stone unturned, we wanted to play this tour. (But) Our absolute priority has been the security and safety of our players and our employees," he said adding that the CA also considered the Australian government's advise in the matter. (Agencies)