ADELAIDE: India’s two-day tour match due to begin Friday has been cancelled, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

The tourists were scheduled to begin a two-day game against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide, but officials said the grief-stricken players will not be able to take the field.

The game was to be India’s final lead-up to next week’s opening Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Today we were reminded that cricket is just a game and it is the characters that play the game that make it so special,” CA’s Team Performance Manager Pat Howard said.

“We have spoken to the players and the ACA (Australian Cricketers Association) and have made the decision based on the best interest of all concerned.

“Several of the CA XI players have returned home to seek support and solace from their family, friends and team-mates.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation shown by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), team management and the India players who have been nothing but respectful during this tragic time.”

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2014