A heavy schedule and the unofficial status of the three-match limited overs series were the reasons for India opting out of a trip to Australia in September, Indian Cricket Board chief AC Muthiah said today.

"I discussed with all the players of the Indian team. They had explained to me that after their return from Sri Lanka, the team is to go to Pakistan for the Asian Test Championship and then on a full tour to South Africa. After playing England at home, the team would be leaving for the West Indies," Muthiah said in a statement in Chennai.

Meanwhile, he said, the team is to visit England for a benefit match for Surrey County Cricket Club, to be organised by former Prime Minister John Major.

The Board President said "The players' feeling that they are under heavy load of cricket was considered and then I had explained to Mr David Rogers, chief of the Australian Cricket Board, about our inability to confirm participation in the three game series. Considering the number of official tours, the BCCI decided against the players' participation in the Super Challenge series, which is an unofficial one," Muthiah added.

As per the schedule, India and Australia were to play two indoor matches at Colonial Stadium in Melbourne on September 21 and 23 and an outdoor fixture at the Gabba in Brisbane on September 26.

© PTI