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against the Canterbury under-23 team.

Pakistan was scheduled to play the Canterbury side in a final warm-up game before meeting New Zealand in two one-day fixtures tomorrow and Wednesday, but did not appear for the start at 10am.

The game was eventually abandoned at 11am by the chief executive of the Canterbury Cricket Association, Tony Murdoch, after a hurried meeting with the Pakistan team.

``I was called in late today over the team's reluctance to play. They have four injuries, have had a hectic schedule of games, and coupled with a dispute in their game against Canterbury under-17 on Friday, I made the decision to abandon today's game.

``They didn't want to commit themselves to the game. They were anxious to be in the best frame of mind for the two games against New Zealand this week.''

The catalyst for the non-appearance of Pakistan was believed to be the ``dispute'' on Friday, which Murdoch said he would investigate over the next few days.

``I want to speak to people, so that I have all sides of the story before I make a statement.''

Pakistan was beaten by the Canterbury under-17 team by seven wickets on Friday, but took umbrage during the game to a suggestion from an umpire to appeal for dismissals only when there was a chance of success.

Pakistan is touring Australasia to play four international one-day games, which it requires to qualify for the next World Cup in India.

It has had several heavy defeats, and its coach returned home after three days for what Murdoch termed ``internal reasons''. The CCA has provided coaching for the team since then.

The CCA organised the tour for Pakistan.