Dravid pulls out of Afro-Asian cricket series

The inaugural edition of the Afro-Asian tournament, lost more sheen following the withdrawal of star batsman Dravid.

The inaugural edition of the Afro-Asian cricket tournament, to be played in South Africa this month, lost more sheen following the withdrawal of star batsman Rahul Dravid on Thursday.

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Dravid withdrew from the three-match continental limited overs series due to personal reasons, Indian cricket board (BCCI) Secretary S K Nair told PTI.

Nair said that Dravid informed BCCI of his unavailability citing family obligations. He said the BCCI had asked the Asian Cricket Council to make a suitable replacement in the Asian team.

The Asian team, with players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, were to take on an African side comprising players from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, in three one-dayers to be played at Centurion (Aug 17) and Durban (Aug 20 and 21).

Sri Lanka's and India's newball bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Irfan Pathan were ruled out on Wednesday with various injuries.