National cricket selectors will be anxiously waiting for government clearance to the proposed tri-nation Sharjah tour, before meeting in Mumbai on Monday to pick the India-A team to play Australia in the three-day tour opener at Nagpur from February 17 to 19.

"If the government does not clear the team, then we will have the conditioning camp at Chennai from February 7. If the government gives clearance then the selectors will pick the Indian squad tomorrow at the Cricket Club of India," BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele said. The Government's decision is expected tomorrow when External Affairs minister Jaswant Singh returns from an official trip abroad.

Meanwhile, talking to PTI from Pune on Sunday, the chairman of the selection committee Chandu Borde said that Sachin Tendulkar had informed him during the Duleep Trophy match which West Zone won comfortably under his captaincy that he was not keen on being India-B captain.

"Tendulkar said he does not have the motivation and was not prepared to lead any side right now. I will convey his request to the other selectors and decide about it when we sit to pick the India-A side for the three-day match against Australia to be played at Nagpur from February 17 to 19", said Borde.

"We (West Zone selectors) felt that West was not playing well as a unit and that is why we asked Tendulkar to lead the side against East Zone at Pune. After leading the side to an innings win I thought he was the best person to lead the India-B but now we will have to look out for another man to lead the side", Borde added.

Tendulkar was appointed captain of the India-B side last week while Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were chosen to lead the India Seniors and India-A sides respectively. In all probability North Zone skipper Vikram Rathour will now lead the India-B side. Tendulkar was not available for comment.

© PTI