THE DP Power Cricket international series between Asia and the Rest of the World has been postponed a second time, writes Paul Tully.

It was moved from its January date at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, when Pakistan withdrew permission for their players to take part, and pencilled in for April.

But because the Stadium is unavailable for most of April and May because of other commitments including the FA Cup final, divisional play-offs, the Rugby League Cup final etc., the event has been put off again until September.

"The weekend of September 27-28 is the most likely date at this stage," said the innovative, two-innings one-day competition promoter Philip Pride, who also devised the format.

"The international fixture list is largely free of matches at that time and with the domestic season ending on September 21, most of the overseas players involved in county cricket will be available then.

"We are not sure yet whether it will still be Asia against the Rest of the World or the Brits facing the Rest of the World (the first European indoor international at Cardiff last October involved these sides).

"It depends on what overseas players are available while there are obvious advantages in using home players."

A formal announcement is expected in May.