Sri Lanka confirm ODI series with Pakistan

Sri Lanka have agreed to tour Pakistan in April for a series of five one-dayers to fill the gaps in Pakistan's home series itinerary following Australia's pull-out over security fears. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will finalise the fixtures shortly.

"We are thankful to the Sri Lankan board, who have agreed to tour for a series of five one-day internationals on our invitation," Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, told reporters in Lahore.

The tour is likely to take place after Sri Lanka conclude their ongoing tour of the West Indies, which ends on April 15. However, five-match series will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) which has several Sri Lanka players participating. Bangladesh had earlier agreed to tour Pakistan for five one-dayers and a Twenty20 from April 7 to 22.

Arjuna Ranatunga, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, arrived in Lahore today for discussions with Ashraf on the proposed tour and said he was more than willing to send his team to Pakistan.

"India and Pakistan have always supported us in our needs like big brothers," Ranatunga said, "so I am ready to send my team whenever Pakistan want."