India not to play in ICC under-17 tournament

Karachi, July 11: India will not take part in the Asia Cup Under-17 tournament which starts here from July 15, officials confirmed.

Nasimul Ghani, International Cricket Council (ICC) development officer for Asia, said India had not confirmed their participation despite the fact that several reminders were sent.

He said he talked to J.Y Lele, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), over telephone but couldn't receive a positive response.

"It is unfortunate that they are not coming despite agreeing in England to send their team," Nasim, who is also the organizer of the competition, said.

He, however, added: "We will still welcome them if they decide to send the team at the last minute."

Yawar Saeed, director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said from Islamabad that he had also learnt about this. He, nevertheless, stated that he was not sure what were the reasons for retracting their promise.

"We are looking forward to India's senior team's visit to Pakistan later this year. That is the most important thing. As regards Under-17 team, the PCB has got nothing to do with it since the ICC is organizing the tournament as per their development programme."