The inaugural six-million dollar Twenty20 Champions League has been called off because of the deadly attacks in Mumbai, organisers said today.

The tournament, featuring the top eight Twenty20 domestic teams from Australia, South Africa, India, England and Pakistan, was due to be held from December 3-10 in Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

“We held consultations among all the stakeholders including the founding members, the participating teams and members of the Governing Council after the unfortunate terrorist attacks in Mumbai on Wednesday night,” League chairman Lalit Modi said in a statement.

“It was agreed that in the best interests of all concerned, the inaugural edition of the Champions League should be postponed.”

“We very strongly condemn this dastardly and heinous criminal act of a few which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injury to hundreds.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and we are with them in their hour of grief.”

Modi did not say when the tournament will be played.

The teams taking part were Victoria and Western Australia (Australia), Dolphins and Titans (South Africa), Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals (India), Middlesex (England) and Sialkot Stallions (Pakistan).

The touring England team had earlier today cancelled the last two one–dayers of their seven-game series against India and were in talks with Indian officials over next month's two Test matches.

At least 100 people were killed in coordinated attacks in Mumbai last night.

AFP

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