Sri Lanka tour of South Africa to go ahead as planned

The medical unit, headed by Dr Arjuna de Silva, advised Sri Lanka Cricket to proceed with the series, which will form part of the ICC’s World Test Championship

It has been confirmed that the two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka will go ahead as planned, with the first Test starting at Centurion on Boxing Day.

Cricket South Africa and Sri Lanka Cricket held discussions with Namal Rajapaksa and appraised the minister of youth affairs and sport in Sri Lanka about the current situation in South Africa.

"[Discussions] ended with the decision to honour the commitments made under the FTP. This was followed by an assessment conducted by the Sri Lanka Cricket Medical Unit headed by Professor Arjuna De Silva, who advised Sri Lanka Cricket to proceed with the series," a release from Cricket South Africa said.

The Sri Lanka squad will leave for South Africa as planned but head coach Micky Arthur and a health specialist will leave immediately to assess the current situation and make appropriate arrangements ahead of the team’s arrival.

The medical unit, headed by Dr Arjuna de Silva, advised Sri Lanka Cricket to proceed with the series, which will form part of the ICC’s World Test Championship.

"Cricket South Africa appreciates the ongoing support from Sri Lanka Cricket under the leadership of Ashley de Silva, who has never wavered in its willingness to engage us in important and open discussions around our plans and the state of our readiness for the tour," Cricket South Africa's acting CEO, Ms. Kugandrie Govender said. "We are thankful that these discussions have allayed any trepidation around Cricket South Africa's ability to successfully host home tours in these unpredicted times.

"As always, we are excited to host the Sri Lankan team in this important World Test Championship, that will yield crucial points towards the points table for the eventual winners. We are also certain that cricket fans around the world will tune in for another series of thrilling cricket on display."

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