NEW DELHI: Australia's T20I squad, led by Mitchell Marsh, arrived in Lahore on Wednesday for a three-match series against Pakistan, even as uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan's participation in next month's T20 World Cup.

The series was expected to serve as Pakistan's final tune-up for the global tournament, but doubts remain over whether the team will receive government clearance to take part in the competition, which begins on February 7.

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that all options remain open, adding that a final decision is likely to be taken by either Friday or next Monday.

Pakistan have also voiced strong objection over the ICC's move to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board, backed by the interim government, refused to play World Cup matches in India citing security concerns.

Pakistan, meanwhile, announced their squad for the 20-team tournament which is, with one exception, the same which will face off against Australia. The selectors have dropped pacer Muhammad Wasim Jr from the squad for the World Cup but he will be available for series against Australia.

Australia have reached Lahore without some of their experienced players including Pat Cummins.

Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all been rested for the Pakistan series to recover completely from injuries before the WC.

But the Australian squad, in Pakistan for the first time after mid 2022, is still strong with Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis among those who featured in the Ashes.

Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa.