It seems that Lankan Cricket will have to keep brooding over their series defeat at the hand of India as a result of the postponement Champions Trophy which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
Reports reaching say that South Africa who initially showed an interest in hosting a tri-nation involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka is now trying to back out of the tripartite contest.

Duleep Mendis

The Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Cricket Duleep Mendis speaking to The Sunday Times confirmed the situation. He said “So far we have been looking around to fill the void created by the postponement of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but nothing concrete has come up as yet. However if we are going to be involved in a series it has to happen very soon.”

Champions Trophy which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan from the 12th of September had to be postponed as the Western Union – Australia, New Zealand, West Indies and England showed their reluctance to tour the strife ridden Pakistan at a tele conference held by the ICC last Sunday. A few days earlier South Africa officially pulled out of the tournament complaining about the safety of their players. However the Asian giants India and Pakistan in spite of being political rivals stubbornly stood together on this particular issue and thus scuttled the tournament being shifted to Sri Lanka which was officially named as the alternate venue by the ICC. Some of the members of the Western Union showed interest in moving the games to Sri Lanka.

If nothing serious develops within the next few days, Sri Lanka will be one of the hardest hit among the ICC full members as they have no meaningful cricket for almost one year.

Sri Lanka’s next engagement would be to host bottom of the table Zimbabwe and play an ODI series as they have voluntarily pulled out from the Test Status. This will take place during October and November. In December-January 2009 Sri Lanka will tour Bangladesh to play two Tests and three ODIs and then tour Zimbabwe for another ODI series in February-March.

At the same time Sri Lanka’s hastily scheduled tour of England in April is also in abeyance as it clashes with some of the senior players being involved in the Indian Premier League second season.

In June 2009 the Lankans will host Pakistan for a three Test and 5 ODI series followed by hosting New Zealand also in a 3 Test and 5 ODI series during August-September.

Sri Lanka’s reciprocal tour of India will take place during the latter stages of 2009.