Zimbabwe tri-series looks doubtful as India stall

The ODI tri-series planned to take place in Zimbabwe in July appears to be in serious doubt after the Indian board put its participation on hold until a third side was identified by Zimbabwe Cricket.

"The visit to Zimbabwe was planned but has been dropped now as it was to involve three teams," BCCI secretary N Srinvasan said. "They will have to find the third team for the series to be held."

South Africa had been named by the BCCI earlier in the month, only for Cricket South Africa to issue a statement saying it had never planned to participate.

India's cricketers are currently involved in the IPL, and will then take part in the ICC World Twenty20 in England, running from June 5 to 21. "We will have a ODI series afterwards in the West Indies, comprising four or five matches, and then will take part in the ICC Champions Trophy," Srinivasan said. He also announced India's rather packed playing schedule following the team's return from South Africa.

India will host the Champions Twenty20 League - cancelled last year in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks - and play a seven-match ODI series against Australia at home. Sri Lanka are scheduled to visit India for a full Test and ODI series, after which India would tour Bangladesh in January. "On our return we will host South Africa," Srinivasan added.