Bad weather report forces change of venue

Reports of bad weather over the next fortnight or so have forced the Sri Lanka Interim Cricket Board to move the venue of the first unofficial cricket Test against Pakistan A from the NCC grounds to Dambulla Cricket Stadium.

Cricket Board officials said the weather pattern was very bad and that they were forced to change the venue of the first match in the interest of cricket and to ensure there was maximum playing time. The four-day 'Test' will commence on June 13.

The controversial Dambulla stadium is situated in the dry zone where it hardly rains.

NCC will host the second 'Test' from June 19 and Galle, the third from June 25.

Pakistan A' will also play three unofficial One-Day Internationals on June 30 at De Soysa Stadium, July 2 at Sara Stadium and July 4 at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The 18-member side captained by Hasan Raza arrives in Sri Lanka on June 10.