Rediff

Port of Spain, Oct 28: The West Indies have called off their proposed two-Test series against Pakistan next month in Abu Dhabi, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.

"Yes, the West Indies Cricket Board has informed us that they can't play the series due to pressing engagements of their players," PCB Director General Saleem Altaf said.

However, Altaf, made it clear that the three One-day International matches between the two sides would be held in Abu Dhabi as per schedule, from November 12 to 16.

Earlier, the WICB had accepted the proposal to play the Test series and after getting confirmation from broadcasters of the ODI series about telecasting of the Test, the PCB had sent a representative to Dubai to finalise the deal.

But PCB sources said the WICB's sudden refusal to play the Test matches could be financial as the West Indies had demanded US $1 million for playing the two Tests while the PCB had offered them US $400,000.

The postponement of the Test series means Pakistan will end this year without playing a single Test.

But Altaf said the WICB had promised to review and find fresh dates for the two Tests in ICC's Future Tours Programme when officials from both the boards meet in the ICC chief executives committee meeting in December.

"It is a setback for us as we were keen to play the Tests because our team has not played any Tests this year," he said.

The West Indies are scheduled to tour New Zealand for two Tests and five ODIs from December 11, while Pakistan host arch-rivals India for three Tests and five ODIs from January 4-February 19.

"We are now concentrating on hosting India early next year after playing three ODIs against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi," Altaf said.