India withdraw from ACB Super Challenge

The Australian Cricket Board on Thursday announced the cancellation of the forthcoming Super Challenge one-day international series, scheduled for Melbourne and Brisbane in September, following advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India that it won't be able to take part.

The BCCI president A C Muthiah confirmed that India can no longer meet its commitment to the three-match tour after holding recent discussions with the Indian players and hearing their concerns about the team's heavy workload.

Speaking from London, ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said that whilst he is disappointed at the outcome, the ACB would continue to work with the BCCI to bring the Indian team to Australia for future series.

"As you are no doubt aware, there has been some unattributed conjecture coming from India about its ability to fulfil its commitment to the Super Challenge and the ACB has been seeking clarification from the BCCI about its position," Sutherland said.

"Although we are disappointed at India's final decision, I would hope that the ACB can continue to work with the BCCI to identify a suitable time in the future for India to come and take part in this series," he said.

Sutherland said that the unforeseen gap in the programme now provided the ACB management with the opportunity to develop a long-term strategic plan for the Super Challenge concept.

(Press Release)