posted on Dec, 29 2004 @ 02:26 PM
Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand had been postponed following the tsunami that devastated southern Asia, the International Cricket Council said
today.
More than 22,000 people on the Indian Ocean island were killed by the tsunami which has affected countries across south Asia and the death toll is
continuing to rise.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said the ICC is comfortable with the decision of both boards to postpone the series.
"The impact of the tsunami on Sri Lanka has been devastating and we fully understand the decision taken by the boards to postpone the series," Speed
said in a statement.
"In this situation where two of our members have agreed to postpone the series there is no issue of fines or compensation."
Sri Lanka Cricket also issued a statement saying the tour is being postponed.
"Taking into consideration the tsunami disaster Sri Lanka faced, Sri Lanka Cricket decided today to cancel the ongoing tour of New Zealand," the
statement said.
"On a request made to New Zealand Cricket, by Sri Lanka Cricket, New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to reschedule the tour at some
appropriate time in the future.
"The Sri Lankan cricketers have always stood by the people of this country in good times and bad times.
"The cancellation of this tour will enable the Sri Lankan cricketers to join Sri Lanka Cricket to assist the victims affected by this grave disaster."
Sri Lanka lost to New Zealand in the first of five one-day internationals on Sunday and were due to play two Tests.
Associated Press