ABU DHABI, May 2: A planned tri-nation cricket tournament in Abu Dhabi in September involving India, Pakistan and Australia may be shelved according to Inderjit Singh Bindra, former president of Indian cricket board. “Pakistan have problems with September's schedule because they will have just returned from England followed by month of Ramazan,” Bindra told reporters during a visit to Zayed Cricket Stadium.

“September is hot weather in Abu Dhabi as our experience in April showed. We are looking at cooler weather to play these matches, which would be a good warm-up ahead of Champions Trophy. We are looking at options such as Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore too has shown keen interest to play host to such an event.

“We have a commitment with West Indies Board to raise funds to help in next year's World Cup by playing a three-match series in North America. They played a key role in our bid to win 2011 World Cup and to help them is an obligation.

“UAE and Abu Dhabi are important as an offshore venue for us. BCCI will reach a decision where they would be heading in coming weeks.”

Bindra's comments came as Paul Marsh, chief executive Australian Cricketers Association, labeled proposed tri-series as nothing more than a “money making exercise”.

He added: “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. Going into future, why would they need to be playing it other than as a money-making exercise.”—Agenciess