rediff.com: Lara not playing in Dhaka

Brian Lara will not appear in the limited-overs match between a World XI and an Asian XI in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sunday, April 9.

Nor is he giving any indication about when he will return to international cricket.

"I think it all depends on how things work out," Lara told reporters in Barbados about his return to the West Indies for the series against Pakistan.

Lara is in Barbados participating in the three-day Pro-Am segment of the European Masters golf championship at the Royal Westmoreland course, where he shot a six-under-par 66 in the first two rounds.

"It's a very ticklish situation at this situation. I am looking forward to getting back into the cricket in the best frame of mind," Lara said during a break in play at the golf championship which has attracted former West Indies greats Sir Garfield Sobers and Desmond Haynes along with former England footballer Gary Lineker.

"Im off cricket at the present moment and enjoying my relaxation period. I have a bit of charity work to do in London and I'm off to maybe New York afterwards."

When asked of his availability for Dhaka, Lara remarked that his correspondence would be handled by the West Indies Cricket Board.

Late Thursday, an official of the WICB reported said they had received verbal confirmation from the double World record-holder that he would not be leading the World XI which includes a number of the game's leading players.

West Indies captain Jimmy Adams on Tuesday said he would love to have Lara back to boost the teams batting, particularly for the series against Pakistan, whom they play in a three-Test series.

Curtly Ambrose, the other West Indian in the World XI, will not be playing in the match either. Instead, Courtney Walsh, who became the leading bowler in Test cricket last Tuesday, will take his place.

The WICB announced it will not release Ambrose for the match because they are concerned about the amount of cricket the fast bowler has been playing recently.

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