DUBAI: Pakistan are considering whether to switch a home series to New Zealand after the Black Caps refused to tour the troubled country, an official said.

New Zealand were scheduled to tour Pakistan in November-December for a three-Test and five-match one-day series but had hinted they will not tour following attacks on the Sri Lankan team last month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday stripped Pakistan of their share of matches in the 2011 World Cup, citing the "uncertain security situation" in the country.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt said he held meetings with New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan here and was considering their offer to switch the series to New Zealand. "At the moment New Zealand are reluctant to tour Pakistan. So among the options available, the best is to play in New Zealand."

Pakistan is spending a huge amount on private security guards for its limited over series against Australia, starting here from Wednesday. The series was relocated to the United Arab Emirates after Australia refused to send their team to Pakistan on security grounds. "If we play in New Zealand, the cost of the security comes to zero, and further the hotels are cheaper than in the UAE. And after playing in New Zealand our team can move to Australia for another series," said Butt. Pakistan is due to start a tour of Australia in late December. Butt said all the factors will be considered before taking a decision.