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Abu Dhabi may not get to host a tri-series later this year, involving India, Pakistan and Australia. While Pakistan has pulled out of the tournament, the meet may now be held in Singapore or even Kuala Lumpur, according to I S Bindra, BCCI special advisor.

Pakistan has expressed their inability to participate, said Bindra. The Indian team has already requested the board not to squeeze in any more tournaments, other than those already scheduled, with the World Cup around the corner, as reported by The Sunday Express.

Pakistan have expressed their inability because they would be arriving late after winding up their England tour and also due to religious festivities that follow. So we are looking out to appropriate venues where we can play Australia and any other third team. I haven’t ruled out Abu Dhabi but the Board is yet to decide because even Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are keen to host it, said Bindra.

Earlier, Bindra was quoted by Gulf News as saying that West Indies is likely to be the third team and there’s a possibility of the tournament staged in North America.

India and Australia were looking at using the event as preparation for the Champions Trophy in October. The idea is to play in a centre that has temperatures akin to North India where most of the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The Indian board also has an obligation to West Indies who helped us in our 2011 bid. They have sought our help to raise funds with three ODIs in North America. At that time in August-September the climate is good there. So that is another factor which the Indian Board will have to consider, Bindra told the Dubai-based paper.

Source:India Sports