Abu Dhabi tri-series could be shelved

A planned tri-nations tournament in Abu Dhabi in September involving India, Pakistan and Australia may be shelved according to IS Bindra, the former president of the Indian cricket board.

"Pakistan have problems with September's schedule because they will have just returned from England followed by the fasting month of Ramadan," Bindra told reporters during a visit to the Zayed Cricket Stadium yesterday. "September is hot weather in Abu Dhabi as our experience in April [showed].

"We are looking at cooler weather to play these matches, which would be a good warm-up ahead of the Champions Trophy. We are looking at the options such as Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore too has shown keen interest to play host to such an event.

"We have a commitment with the West Indies Board to raise funds to help in next year's World Cup by playing a three-match series in North America. They played a key role in our bid to win the 2011 World Cup and to help them is an obligation.

"The UAE and Abu Dhabi are important as an offshore venue for us. The BCCI will reach a decision where they would be heading in the coming weeks."

Bindra's comments came on the same day that Paul Marsh, the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers Association, labeled the proposed tri-series as nothing more than a "money making exercise".

He added: "Coming off a good break, we probably need something heading into the Champions Trophy this year. But we see a series such as this as fitting under that 'meaningless tournament' bracket. Going into the future, why would they need to be playing it other than as a money-making exercise."