South Africa's weary cricketers have reacted negatively to suggestions they will be asked to participate in a triangular one-day tournament next month.

Following the postponement of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have sought to organise another limited-overs tournament elsewhere.

Initial noises coming out of Pakistan proposed a three-team event in South Africa, including the host country, Pakistan and either India or Australia.

Although India have declared themselves out of the running, such an event would still be worth a few million pounds to the home board.

However, captain Graeme Smith said: "We haven't had any confirmation but I don't think it would be in the best interests of the team. If we are looking in terms of our season we need to get injuries right.

"If we did have to play that series we would have to dig into the depths of South African cricket to give other guys opportunities because the injuries are an issue at the moment."

Smith needs to rest a long-standing bout of tennis elbow, both Albie Morkel and Morne Morkel have injury niggles while Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis have all been playing virtually non-stop for two years.

South Africa Cricketers' Association chief executive Tony Irish said he had not been consulted personally but admitted coach Mickey Arthur had told him the national players were badly in need of rest.

"That suggests that we will not be able to agree to a proposal to play extra fixtures," Irish said.