"We will concentrate on the Asian Games in December," he tried to explain.For athletes who have held multi-discipline Games as one place where they could be free from the tyranny of cricket, it will be a disappointing decision because cricket will be a major event at Kuala Lumpur.

Though the IOA said the Board of Control for Cricket in Indian (BCCI) will send the best team for the Games, it is difficult to see how they can manage that. The dates clash with the scheduled Sahara Cup series against Pakistan in Toronto. This is the third year in the five-year agreement between India, Pakistan and the International Management Group (IMG) to play a series in Canada.

From whatever news is available from the BCCI, itis now clear that Commonwealth Games is certainly not going to get precedence over Sahara Cup. The reason is obvious: Sahara Cup has not only become a prestigious event but the opponents happen to be Pakistan.

With hockey also making its debut at the Games, the other disciplines like shooting, weightlifting and badminton which used to get a lot of attention will be forced to take a back seat unless medals come in bucketfuls. India will take part in seven disciplines at Kuala Lumpur. They are: badminton, boxing, hockey (men and women), shooting, cricket and hockey.

Though the opening ceremony of the Games have been scheduled for September 11, cricket and hockey matches will begin September 9.

India is expected to send a contingent of about 100 sportspersons and 20 officials and these numbers will include the three teams, men and women's hockey teams and the cricket team.