India have withdrawn from a proposed one-day tournament which was due to take place in Bangladesh in early January. Indian cricket board president Jagmohan Dalmiya said that the decision had been taken to give the Indian squad some rest between the Test and one-day series against England. "It would perhaps also not be fair to Bangladesh if we send a second-string team," explained Dalmiya, "so we have written to them stating the genuine reasons for our reluctance."

India have been playing almost non-stop since May. After the two series against England they host Zimbabwe for two Tests and five one-day games before travelling to the Caribbean for four Tests and seven one-dayers against West Indies. They then move on to England for a four-Test series.

The tournament, which would have been held between January 3 and 13, would have featured India, Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh. As a result of India's withdrawal, Pakistan will play two Tests and three one-day internationals against Bangladesh.

It is uncertain whether India would have received permission form their government to play against Pakistan, and Dalmiya would not reveal whether an approach had been made.

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