Called, cancelling start of general preparatory period (3-2)

I believe the answer is:

run-up

'preparatory period' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for run-up that I've seen before include "Cricketing approach?" , "Preliminary period" , "Approach - preliminaries" , "Bowler's approach?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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