New A-team series for India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India will compete in a new A-team triangular tournament, called the Emerging Trophy, the Sri Lanka cricket board (BCCSL) announced today. The seven-game tri-series will rotate between the three countries during the next three years.

The first tournament, which will be played in Sri Lanka from August 15-22, will kick off a virtually non-stop schedule for the Sri Lanka A team, which now has 14 confirmed tours between September 2003 and February 2005 according the BCCSL. The Under 19 side will also undertake three tours during the same period.

"This comprehensive format will provide valuable experience and enable the BCCSL to identify potential national cricketers," said the BCCSL release. "This is the first time such a comprehensive tour schedule has been negotiated and confirmed for junior and A grade players."

Emerging Trophy schedule:

15 August 2003 - Pakistan v Sri Lanka
16 August 2003 - India v Sri Lanka
17 August 2003 - India v Pakistan
18 August 2003 - Pakistan v Sri Lanka
19 August 2003 - India v Sri Lanka
20 August 2003 - India v Pakistan
22 August 2003 - Final

Sri Lanka `A' tour schedule
September/October 2003 - South Africa (away)
November/December 2003 - India (away)
January/February 2003 - Zimbabwe (away)
March/April 2004 - New Zealand (away)
April/May 2004 - South Africa (home)
June/July/August 2004 - England (away)
August 2004 - New Zealand (home)
November/December 2004 - Australia (away)
December 2004 - West Indies (home)
January 2005 - Australia (home)
January/February 2005 - West Indies (away)
March 2005 - Zimbabwe (home)

* India A tour to Sri Lanka in 2004 to be confirmed.