Play was due to start at 0945 GMT, but with the outfield soaked by the recent downpours, the umpires ruled out any action just before 1345 GMT.

It meant the anticipated sell-out crowd of 5,000 was left disappointed.

The match, set up by the Prince of Wales Charles, had been expected to raise over 2.5 million pounds for charities in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the UK.

Organisers said the India and Pakistan cricket boards hoped to reschedule the match.

"I have spoken to both boards and they have committed to explore a way in which this match could take place at some point in the future," Manoj Badale, chairman of the British Asian Trust, said.

"As yet we don't have a date for that but both boards recognise that their fans around the world have been excited about this and will find a way of making this game happen again."

Pakistan's first game of their two-match tour, against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, was also abandoned because of rain without a ball being bowled.

"I'm disappointed, of course I am, but these things are an occupational hazard I'm afraid when you are involved with cricket in Scotland," said Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith. "We can't do anything about it."