Lanka to hold a World Cup ‘semi’
Pakistan here from June 27 to August 11:
New Zealand from August 10 to Sept. 20:
Chris DHAMBARAGE
Sri Lanka will in all probability host one of the semifinal matches
of the ICC 2011 World Cup tournament which will be jointly hosted by
India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This assurance was given by the Chairman International Cricket
Council David Morgan during the recent ICC Directors meeting held in
Dubai. Sri Lanka was represented by Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket Interim
Committee D. Somachandra de Silva and Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga.
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D. Somachandra de Silva |
Before the ICC meeting, David Morgan, Chairman, ICC introduced D. S.
de Silva as the newly appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket and the
ICC tie was handed over to him. As it is not possible to play World Cup
matches in Pakistan due to security reasons, Sri Lanka will have the
opportunity of hosting more matches than was earlier scheduled.
As a result Sri Lanka are likely to host one of the semifinals (this
story that Sri Lanka would host a semi-final was exclusively reported in
these columns a few months back) matches in addition to a couple of more
qualifying round games in Colombo.
This is a clear indication that the ICC comprehends that Sri Lanka is
a safe place to host matches without any security threats.
The World Cup organising will meet again on April 28 in Mumbai to
discuss matters further.
Sri Lanka Cricket have already began their preparations for the 2011
World Cup with several infrastructure developments including a brand new
international stadium in Hambantota. The ground work for this stadium
has already started and will be fully completed in time to host one of
the semifinal matches.
De Silva who was appointed Chairman of the SLC last month said that
one of his main priorities is to build up a close relationship with the
International Cricket Council and to negotiate with the other countries
for bilateral tours.
The former Sri Lanka leg spinner has been successful in negotiating
with the ICC regarding Future Tour Programs with Pakistan and New
Zealand scheduled to tour the island this year.
The Pakistan team will be in Sri Lanka from June 27 to August 11 for
a series of three Test matches and five one day internationals. In
addition New Zealand have also confirmed their visit and will be touring
the country from August 10 to September 20 for three Test matches and
five one day internationals.
The two countries decided to play the one dayers after the Test
series in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy which will be staged
in South Africa in September/October.
In another major breakthrough Sri Lanka and India have agreed to
revive their regular ‘A’ team and under 19 tours once a year. In
addition the England and Wales Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket,
Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have also shown interest to
have ‘A’ team, under 19 and Development Squad tours once in two years on
a reciprocal basis. |
