Cricket Australia has opened the door slightly to returning to play in Pakistan for the first time in 20 years, having softened its stance after an approach from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

New PCB managing director Wasim Khan has made it clear in several interviews that he is keen for international cricket to return to Pakistan as soon as possible.

Australian cricketers walk from the field after drawing the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi, 1998. Credit:Reuters

Australia last toured Pakistan for three Tests and three one-day internationals under captain Mark Taylor in 1998. There has been little international cricket in the country since 2009 due to security fears.

However, with Australia due to play five one-day internationals against Pakistan in its surrogate home of the United Arab Emirates in March ahead of the World Cup, the PCB has again reached out.