Toronto series off

This year's Sahara Cup cricket series in Toronto, Canada, has been cancelled, the organisers, International Management Group announced Wednesday.

India pulled out of the series in which it was due to play Pakistan because of violence in Kashmir, and efforts to find a replacement country failed, the organisers said.

The IMG tried to entice World champions Australia, South Africa, New Zealand or Sri Lanka into the series, but without success.

IMG representative Arshad Gillani said a statement would be released later to "describe why the series could not take place this year."

The five-match limited over series was scheduled to be held between September 9-17.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official expressed disappointment over the cancellation.

The series between arch rivals Pakistan and India was initiated in 1996 and was due to run for five years.

India also refused to play Pakistan in 1999 following clashes in Kashmir, but the series was divided into two three-match events with India and Pakistan playing the West Indies separately.

Pakistan won the series in 1996 and 1998 while India won the event in 1997.

Mail Cricket Editor