Sri Lanka Cricket to host Independence Cup in 2018

3997
Sri Lanka Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket is almost certain of losing out on their tour to South Africa in 2017/18 in order to host the Independence Cup in celebration of the 70th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

Earlier this month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat revealed that India will tour South Africa instead of Sri Lanka later this year.

Sri Lanka celebrates their independence day on 4th February to commemorate its internal political independence from British rule on that day in 1948 and with the support of the national Government, SLC has made plans to conduct the Independence Cup with the participation of three or four countries including India.

The finalized time, schedule dates, venues and participating countries will be notified by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) once all plans are confirmed.

“There is a South Africa-India tour coming up and it might clash with the India-Pakistan tour. The Indians are willing to go to South Africa in the period where we are scheduled to tour so we will discuss with India and South Africa during the next month’s ICC meeting in Dubai regarding our return tour, Independence Cup and then we all (Sri Lanka, India, South Africa and Pakistan) will accommodate each other.” Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala said.

“India has already given their willingness to play the Independence Cup in 2018 in Sri Lanka after Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe discussed this with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi recently. There is a lot of turmoil in Indian Cricket at the moment so that is why we have delayed the official announcement. We also might travel to India later this year for a short tour to celebrate their 70th Independence Day.” Sumathipala further said.

Bangladesh celebrated their Silver Jubilee of Independence in 1998 with a similar tournament hosting India and Pakistan.