Proteas quit; Lanka, India to play bi-series from Aug 18

Colombo, Aug 16 (UNI) The changed Unitech Cup tri-series was reduced to an India Sri Lanka three-match bi-series with South Africa pulling out of the tournament citing security concerns.

South Africa had decided to withdraw after Monday's blast in the city which claimed seven lives but then ICC intervention forced them to stay back till another assessment of the security scenario by an independent agency.

With the Proteas leaving the tourney in lurch, India and Sri Lanka will now play three one-dayers on August 18, 20 and 22.

Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman Samantha Algama said told UNI,''It is final that South Africa has pulled out and this will now be a three-match bi-series between India and Sri Lanka.'' ''We had requested the BCCI for five ODIs but they agreed for just three,'' he said adding, ''the matches will be played on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds.'' The whole drama about the fate of the tri-series didn't reached it climax before twists and turns. South Africa, yesterday, reiginted the hope that the show will go on after they decided to stay for another security review.

The decision was arrived at after the ICC insisted on a second, independent security assessment to either corroborate or refute the conclusion in the report by South Africa's security consultants that the team's safety could no longer be guaranteed.

However, some senior Protea players kept insisting for an immediate return.

South Africa media also claimed board chief Gerald Majola and injured regular captain Graeme Smith were in favour of withdrawing the team at the earliest, even if that meant inviting hefty fine from ICC.

One of the players was also quoted as saying that the entire team wanted to return at the earliest for even if the terrorists spare the cricketers, they don't want to get caught in crossfire. The cricketer also mentioned that he and his teammates had gone for shopping in the same Liberty Plaza where the blast occurred.

Even as frantic negotiations and parley were on, India and Sri Lanka were ready to lock horns earlier in the day, but the rain gods had rendered the outfield at R Premadasa stadium unplayable. The match was postponed for tomorrow.

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