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FUTURE Ashes series will not be affected by the introduction of a world Test championship. That assurance has been given by the president of ICC, Jagmohan Dalmiya of India.

In an attempt to alleviate concerns felt by cricketing bodies in both England and Australia, he said: ``We must respect the tradition of these Ashes meetings.

``They are a very important part of cricket's character and whatever is done to create a proper championship we must see to it that they are not down-graded.''

Dalmiya is the inspiration behind the Asian triangular Test championship currently being held between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and wants to create the wider tournament - taking in all nine Test-playing sides.

During the India-Pakistan game in Calcutta, Dalmiya sought the views of former Test cricketers on the shape of a future championship.

``Without exception they were in favour of the idea,'' he said. ``If there is general support ICC must first decide where and when it should be held and then the format.''

Dalmiya believes that with modifications the points system applied in Calcutta - based on the English county championship could be used. He favours the tournament being held in turn in each country.

But Dalmiya recognises there is little space with touring schedules already pencilled in for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. That suggests a 2005 starting date with succeeding tournaments taking place every four years.