The three-match series between Sri Lanka and India, which has seen all of 22 balls of action, has been cancelled and will be played at a later date.

"After consultions with the Indian board, and bearing in mind the weather conditions, it has been decided to cancel the series and stage it at a later date," said Samantha Alagama, the media manager of Sri Lanka cricket. "It will be played as a tri-series, as originally planned, some time in 2007, most likely after the World Cup. That exact dates and itinerary will be decided after consulting with the Indian and South African cricket boards."

A Sri Lanka Cricket official told Cricinfo: "The rain has already ruined two matches, and the forecast for the next few days is also not good. We have requested the Indian board to consider playing the matches at a later date when it's convenient for both countries."

The official expressed his gratitude at the Indian decision to stay on despite the South Africans packing their bags and going home, and said that the financial fallout from the cancellation of the tri-series would hit the board badly.

It has also affected Sri Lanka's preparations for the Champions Trophy to be played in India in October-November, with no other matches scheduled before the start of the tournament. Sri Lanka have to play qualifying games against West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh before they can take their place in the main draw for the competition.