Asian Test championships may be called off

The month-long championship, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, was due to start from February 16 following the two-Test series between India and Pakistan.

The championship opener between India and Pakistan at Calcutta is expected to be converted into the third Test of the current series which starts here on Thursday, the source told AFP.

He gave no reason for the likely change, but said a formal announcement would be made over the weekend.

``The Indian board is in contact with officials from Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the issue,'' the source said. ``A three-Test series against Pakistan sounds more promising.''

India were due to play Sri Lanka in Colombo and Pakistan were to host Sri Lanka at Lahore in other championship matches, before the final in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka from March 12.

According to the revised itinerary being drawn up, India and Pakistan will play three one-dayers after the Calcutta Test before joining Sri Lanka in a scheduled triangular one-day series from March 19.

Pakistan are making their first Test tour of India in 12 years.

The Asian Test event was considered a forerunner to the proposed world championships that the International Cricket Council is currently working on.

Multi-nation tournaments, like the World Cup, have so far been confined to one-day cricket.