India withdraw from Super Challenge series

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today announced the cancellation of the forth-coming Super Challenge one-day international series, scheduled for Melbourne and Brisbane in September, following advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it was no longer able to take part in the series.

The President of the BCCI, Dr A.C. Muthiah, confirmed that India can no longer meet its commitment to the three-match tour after holding recent discussions with the Indian players and hearing their concerns about the team's heavy workload.

Speaking from London, ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said that whilst he was disappointed at the outcome, the ACB would continue to work with the BCCI to bring the Indian team to Australia for future series.

"As you are no doubt aware, there has been some un-attributed conjecture coming from India about its ability to fulfil its commitment to Super Challenge and the ACB has been seeking clarification from the BCCI about its position," Mr Sutherland said.

"Although we are disappointed at India's final decision, I would hope that the ACB can continue to work with the BCCI to identify a suitable time in the future for India to come and take part in this series," he said.

Mr Sutherland said that the unforeseen gap in the program now provided ACB management with the opportunity to develop a long-term strategic plan for the Super Challenge concept.