Cricket is making its debut at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, which is due to take place between November 12 and 27.

But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to send either men or women's teams because of prior commitments, including hosting a Test series against New Zealand that month.

Randhir Singh, the secretary general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), who also holds the same position with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), led the condemnation of the decision.

He said: "It is very disappointing.

"India's participation would have been good for cricket in Asia.

"It is the first time cricket has been included.

"The Asian Cricket Council lobbied very hard to include cricket in schedule and when China agreed to do so, India has pulled out.

"It is a setback for cricket in India and Asia."

The Twenty20 format was included in the Asian Games by the OCA only after the four Asian Test nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - promised to send their best teams to the Games.

There are now doubts about whether Pakistan will take part as they are due to host South Africa during the period of the Asian Games.

Sri Lanka are also scheduled to play a Test series against West Indies in November.

Singh said: "I was informed [of India's decision to withdraw] only through press.

"We were not informed about their decision.

"If BCCI had to take this step, then they should have informed us earlier."

BCCI chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said: "We would not be able to send our teams, both men and women, for the Asian Games in China because of international commitments.

"We have communicated the same to the Indian Olympic Association."

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