Colombo confirmed as venue for tri-series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) request that all matches of the forthcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka be played in Colombo. The series, with South Africa as the third team, was scheduled in Colombo and Dambula, but internal wrangling forced a change in matters.

Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, confirmed the amendment with reporters after speculation that fraction-fighting might see the tournament played a neutral venue. "Yes, all matches would be held in Colombo," he said. "Since South Africa play a Test series before the tri-series, we will wait and watch, but one thing is sure, India won't play at a neutral venue. There has been no such proposal from the Sri Lankan board...it is not possible. Why should we go outside [to a neutral venue]?"

Against the backdrop of the SLC's elections, scheduled for next Saturday, there have been reports of sabotage to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium if the pro-Thilanga Sumathipala faction fails to win.

The tri-series will run through August 14 to 29. It has not been confirmed whether the South Africa-Sri Lanka Test series, to begin from July 27, will be shifted to a neutral venue.