India v Pakistan was one of the highlights of the World Cup Cricket's biggest rivalry

India's government has refused to grant the team permission to travel to Pakistan in the light of continuing political tensions between the two countries.

"We had sought permission for the team to travel to Pakistan but have been told that the government's position remains unchanged.

"The government has informed us that the security scenario in Pakistan is not conducive for an Indian tour," said Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary SK Nair.

They were due to play three Tests and three one-day internationals during the tour.

"India's decision has disappointed us," Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Samiul Hassan said.

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"We were expecting they would send their players to Pakistan so the region could see some thrilling cricket."

He added: "Pakistan and India should continue to play if we want to improve cricket in Asia."

The two countries have been at loggerheads over disputed territory in Kashmir and there has been no Test cricket between them since June 2000.

There were hopes, however, that a recent match at the World Cup in South Africa, which India won by six wickets, would lead to a resumption of normal cricket relations.

It attracted huge interest in both India and Pakistan and among Asian cricket fans living overseas.

No pay-out for Pakistan

The tour would have been a much-needed money-spinner for the PCB which has suffered heavy losses as a result of cancelled series over the past couple of years.

They were forced to play 'home' series against West Indies and Australia at neutral venues, and a Test against New Zealand was cancelled last April after a bomb explosion in Karachi.