BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP):

WEST INDIES cricket administrators could collect as much as US$3 million (€2.34 million) for the squad's participation in a limited-overs cricket tri-series with India and Australia in Malaysia next month, a top official said yesterday.

Zorol Barthley, the West Indies chief cricket operations officer, said the board would receive US$2 million (€1.56 million) for the two matches against India.

If the West Indies reaches the final, they will get an additional US$1 million (€780,518).

The September 12-24 tournament, which will feature six first-round matches and a final between the top two teams, will be played at the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

One venue

Initial plans proposed matches in Malaysia and Singapore, but the decision was made to have all matches at the one venue in Kuala Lumpur. The tournament was planned to prepare for the Champions Trophy in October.

Barthley was recently in Malaysia, Singapore and India, where he held discussions with administrators from the cricket board of India.

"The WICB is happy with the arrangements in place and we are pleased to be working closely with the Indian board. It is a series we have been looking forward to and it will give our players a chance to get some solid preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy in India in November," Barthley said.

The tournament opens at Kinrara with Australia against the West Indies. India's opening match is against the West Indies on September 14.