SYDNEY, April 28: Calling the planned India-Australia-Pakistan tri-series in Abu Dhabi a “money making exercise,” Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) president Paul Marsh has advised the country's board against planning any such event ahead of ICC Champions Trophy in future.

“Coming off a good break, we probably need something heading into Champions Trophy this year.

“But we see a series such as this as fitting under that 'meaningless tournament' bracket,” Mash was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald as saying.

“Going into the future, why would they need to be playing it other than as a money-making exercise?” he questioned.

Marsh said Ashes would remain top priority for players no matter what Cricket Australia said but added Players' Association was also against mass resting of players.

“It is a shame that players have to miss games for Australia as schedule is too heavy.

“But if they are saying they need to be missing these games leading into Ashes, then Cricket Australia needs to listen to them.

“If you ask any player, Ashes would be a higher priority than Champions Trophy and those other events.”

ACA chief said it would be better to review international scheduling instead of resting players.” We don't believe resting players is long-term answer here,” he said adding,

“We believe in reducing number of games and putting adequate space between games.”

The planned tri-series, likely to be held in September-October before Champions Trophy is still being worked out and dates yet to be finalised for proposed tournament.

Pakistan and India recently played two-match ‘friendship series’ to introduce Abu Dhabi as the newest ODI International venue.—Agencies