India recently won a Test series in Pakistan for the first time

Officials in the United Arab Emirates want to stage a special match on 14 May to mark the opening of the new �12m Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

But Indian Board secretary Karunakaran Nair ruled out their involvement.

"The Board has neither accorded its approval for any such match nor would it release any of its current cricketers for the proposed match."

He added: "There are clear parameters that require approval from the Indian board if any current player is to play in an exhibition match."

Weekend reports suggested that India would be sending a strong team to the gulf, although Sachin Tendulkar and newly married Virender Sehwag would not be involved.

"We are happy that India and Pakistan, the two countries with whom the UAE share exemplary relations, should kick-start international competitions here," said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Control Board.

They now face the task of trying to persuade senior BCCI officials to change their minds and allow an Indian team to take part.

But India have not played in the UAE since a police report, published four years ago, suggested such venues could be a target for would-be match-fixers.

The Indian team is currently taking a break from the game after an exhausting period which saw them play Test and one-day series in Australia and Pakistan.

They are due to return to action in the six-nation Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, beginning in mid-July.

It will be followed by a three-team tournament in Holland which will act as a warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy in England in September.

Pakistan will also be involved in all three competitions.