Sri Lanka follow Tigers tour lead

[sandpiper]

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7303193.stm

Sri Lanka have joined Bangladesh in agreeing to fill the gap left by Australia and tour Pakistan in April.

Australia called off this month's tour because of security concerns following a spate of bombings in Pakistan.

The Tigers will play five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match from 6-22 April in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Karachi.

And Sri Lanka will play a five-match one-day series, probably after their tour of the West Indies on 15 April.

Pakistan chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said he intends to blood youngsters during the forthcoming one-day series with Bangladesh.

"We want to try out more rookies in the home series," he said.

"Bangladesh can be a dangerous team on their day. For us, the most important task would be to win the series and win comfortably."

[Kabir]

Does this mean a Tri-series after the BD tour?

[Murad]

No tri-series.

They will play a series of 5 ODIs just like us.

[akabir77]

No tri-series.

They will play a series of 5 ODIs just like us.

Thats good. we need to play SL as less as we can. they just know us In side out.

[sandpiper]

Sri Lanka confirm ODI series with Pakistan

Cricinfo staff
March 20, 2008

Sri Lanka have agreed to tour Pakistan in April for a series of five one-dayers to fill the gaps in Pakistan's home series itinerary following Australia's pull-out over security fears. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will finalise the fixtures shortly.

"We are thankful to the Sri Lankan board, who have agreed to tour for a series of five one-day internationals on our invitation," Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, told reporters in Lahore.

The tour is likely to take place after Sri Lanka conclude their ongoing tour of the West Indies, which ends on April 15. However, five-match series will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) which has several Sri Lanka players participating. Bangladesh had earlier agreed to tour Pakistan for five one-dayers and a Twenty20 from April 7 to 22.

Arjuna Ranatunga, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, arrived in Lahore today for discussions with Ashraf on the proposed tour and said he was more than willing to send his team to Pakistan.

"India and Pakistan have always supported us in our needs like big brothers," Ranatunga said, "so I am ready to send my team whenever Pakistan want."

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/343306.html

[One World]

Someone please start a thread on Srilanka's tour in WI. First test starts tomorrow at Providence. Waiting for a hell of a fight.

Sovik, SandP, Sohel, Zainab and all get ready, :).