Sad…
Sri Lanka cancels Tests with Pakistan
Reuters - 3 January 2003
Sri Lanka have cancelled a scheduled Test series hosting Pakistan to give their players time to recover from a tough schedule, Pakistani cricket officials said on Friday.
Pakistan were due to tour Sri Lanka in June and July to play three Tests and take part in a triangular one-day series also involving New Zealand.
“The Sri Lankan (cricket) board have informed us they are unable to host the Tests as they want to give their players a rest,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman said.
“The Pakistan board has agreed to the new proposal that we will only tour Sri Lanka to take part in the triangular series,” Samiul Hasan told Reuters.
The Sri Lankan board was due to host separate Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan and also hold the triangular tournament.
But Hasan said the Sri Lankans were concerned that their players risked “burn-out.”
Pakistan are currently playing South Africa in Cape Town in the second of a two-Test series but the Sri Lanka cancellation means they may not play another Test until September.
Pakistan are due to host the Indian team at home in April-May but the Indian government has refused to give clearance to its team for three Tests and three-one-dayers.
Pakistan have said they are making alternative arrangements to host a triangular one-day series involving England, Zimbabwe or Sri Lanka if India do not tour.
Bangladesh and South Africa have confirmed they will tour Pakistan between September and November for Test series.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are both scheduled to play in a triangular tournament in Sharjah also involving South Africa a week after the World Cup which ends on March 23.