Singapore backs out, tri-series to be held in Malaysia only

Chennai, Aug 16 (UNI) Cricket Australia today gave the go-ahead for next month's tri-series in Malaysia involving India and West Indies even as co-hosts Singapore backed out citing financial problems.

According to BCCI, the seven match tri-series will now be held only in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 12 to 24.

Singapore will not be the co-host as decided earlier, since it was not in a position to host the matches due to high cost which it could not meet and inadequate infrastructure facilities, BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah and Treasurer N Srinivasan announced at a joint press conference at the conclusion of the two-day special General Body meeting here.

A decision to this effect was taken by the working committee, they said, adding, ''we will go to Singapore on another occasion in the future.'' As decided at the marketing committee meeting yesterday, the ground rights tender for this tournament ''will be retendered'', Mr Sinivasan added.

Earlier confirming its participation, Cricket Australia (CA) said the tri-series would be a warm-up to the ICC Champions Trophy in India the following month.

''The series, to be played between September 12-24, is designed to allow the three countries to play competitive one-day matches before the Champions Trophy,'' CA said in a statement.

CA CEO James Sutherland said the series would be an ideal preparation for the Champions Trophy and said the board was satisfied with the arrangements made by Malaysia for the event.

''This tri-nations tournament is a fantastic opportunity for Australia to play cricket against world class opposition in the run up to the ICC Champions Trophy.

''It is exciting to bring the game to newer cricketing frontiers and to showcase some of the best players in the world. Our colleagues in Malaysia have enthusiastically embraced the concept of this tournament,'' Mr Sutherland said.

Delegates from CA and the Australian Cricketers Association had earlier visited Malaysia to ensure the infrastructure, the grounds and all of the associated facilities are of a satisfactory standard for international cricket.

Further visits have been planned to finalise player security, in line with ICC and CA expectations.

Australia last played in Malaysia during September 1998 as part of cricket's one and only appearance at the Commonwealth Games. The Australian team, skippered by Steve Waugh, took the silver medal after South Africa defeated them in the final by four wickets.

Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Damien Martyn and Michael Kasprowicz all played in that tournament.

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