The inaugural Twenty20 Champions League was deferred in the wake of security fears following the terror attacks in Mumbai.

The decision was taken by the league's governing council after consultations with the tournament's three founding board members - India, Australia and South Africa.

The Champions League organisers cited security as a major concern for the tournament and with teams reluctant to participate, they decided to postpone the eight-day event fresh dates for which will be decided next month.

Speaking on this, Lalit Modi, tournament chairman said, "We held consultations among all the stakeholders and it was agreed that in the best interests of all concerned, the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20 should be postponed." ''We very strongly condemn this dastardly and heinous criminal act of a few which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injury to hundreds. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and we are with them in their hour of grief,'' added the tournament chairman.

Modi said the tournament was postponed due to the logistical problems associated with finding a third venue after Mumbai was ruled out as a host following the terror strikes.

The tournament chairman further added that India will remain the venue of the Champions League which could likely take place early next year. "'India will remain the venue, as there was never a problem with hosting it here. All the teams agreed that they wanted to come for the tournament."

The tournament was to see top Twenty20 domestic teams from India, Australia, England, South Africa and Pakistan were to participate in the tournament.

While Australia, England and South Africa have expressed their unwillingness to tour India following the terror attacks in Mumbai which have killed over 125 people, Pakistan said it was ready to play despite the prevailing conditions.