In the event, Malaysia -- who had opted out of the proposed four-Test series against India as they were to play in Cairo during the same period -- today accepted India's invitation for the four-Tests series proposed for the third week of November.

The Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill said today that IHF was informed by FIH that the Cairo tournament will now be held from February 2-12 due to Egyptian federation's inability to host the event in November. Gill also informed that Malaysia had today confirmed participation for the Test series.

It was learnt that the while India, Malaysia and South Africa had confirmed participation for Cairo tournament, the Egyptians were having problems in getting confirmation from two other teams.

With the Indians having earlier announced a second-string team forCairo, the event's postponement comes as a boon for the Indian team. The side, which is also scheduled to play a low-key five-nation pre-Asian Games tournament in Bangkok in the first week of November, will now get much needed match-practice against a resurgent Malaysia prior to the Asian Games.

India and Malaysia have been drawn in different groups for the Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the other two Asian hockey powerhouses Pakistan and South Korea will be playing for the Champions Trophy in Lahore, Pakistan, from October 31. India did not qualify for the event.