India have yet to be cleared to face Pakistan away from the World Cup

Brendon Kuruppu believes their continuing stand-off is damaging the game throughout Asia.

It is being felt acutely in Singapore where the two sides used to compete against each other in one-day tournaments.

"Singapore is a fledgling cricket nation and looks to Pakistan and India for the promotion of the game," said Kuruppu, who formerly played Test cricket for Sri Lanka.

"Teams like Pakistan and India are huge draw cards in Singapore and by hosting one-day tri-series we managed to raise good funds which were used in the development of the sport."

He added: "It would be good if Pakistan and India return to Singapore and our association has requested the International Cricket Council give us international events."

Since 2000, India's government has prevented the national side from playing Pakistan in any tournament except the World Cup, because of tensions over disputed border territory in Kashmir.

But Indian sports minister Vikram Verma recently hinted at a change of heart by the government.

"Earlier we used to outright reject any proposal by cricket officials to play against Pakistan; now we are willing to consider such proposals," he said.

A tournament in which second-string teams from both countries will meet in Sri Lanka has already been agreed.

The A teams of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will compete in a one-day triangular tournament, named the Emerging Trophy, from August 15 to 22