You are in > manchester.com  > News > ECB drafts in Sri Lanka as Zimbabwe replacement

Cricket

ECB drafts in Sri Lanka as Zimbabwe replacement

08/07/2008

Sri Lanka will replace Zimbabwe as tourists to play England next summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.

The decision comes after the ECB cut ties with their Zimbabwean counterparts over president Robert Mugabe's interference with his country's cricketing board.

On Tuesday Sri Lanka were announced as Zimbabwe's replacement, with Trevor Bayliss' side set to play two Test matches and three one-day internationals.

ECB chief executive David Collier said he was delighted Sri Lanka had accepted the invitation to tour.

"The strong and close relationship which we built up during our recent winter tours to Sri Lanka allowed the ECB, at short notice, to be able to approach Sri Lanka and confirm their availability for the international matches in the early part of next summer," he added.

Full Sri Lanka itinerary

April 21st to 23rd v Leicestershire (Leicester)
April 25th to 27th v Essex (Chelmsford)
April 29th to May 3rd v England Lions (Derby)
May 7th to 11th First Test (Lord's)
May 15th to 19th Second Test (Chester-le-Street)
May 21st v Somerset (Taunton)
May 24th First ODI (Bristol)
May 27th Second ODI (Edgbaston)
May 30th Third ODI (Headingley Carnegie)