MELBOURNE, May 29: Australia has cancelled plans to play in a one-day tournament in northern Africa scheduled for later this year, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said on Thursday.

The ACB released a statement following media reports that each player was prepared to forfeit up to A$30,000 (US$20,000) to pull out of the Morocco Cup being held in August at Tangier.

The board held discussions with the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Government officials before announcing the decision to cancel Australia’s participation in the International Cricket Council-sanctioned tournament.

A full list of teams expected to participate in the Morocco event has yet to be announced although Pakistan have confirmed their availability.

Australia return from their tour of the West Indies on June 4 and will host Bangladesh for two Tests and a one-day series in July and August.

The players will take annual leave in September.

Australia then host two Tests against Zimbabwe in October before heading to India for a one-day triangular series that also includes New Zealand.

India will tour Australia for four Tests in December and January before they are joined by Zimbabwe for a triangular one-day series.—Reuters