Ireland Test in Sri Lanka postponed over absence of broadcast partner

Ireland’s proposed Test match against Sri Lanka in the new year has been postponed due to the lack of a broadcast partner.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) made the announcement on Wednesday and hope to reschedule the February Test for later in 2020.
The country’s original broadcast agreement was concluded in 2013, when Ireland was not a full member country, and ICC rules dictate that all international Tests must be broadcast.
“We were far progressed in our planning for this short tour, so we and the travelling squad are obviously disappointed,” said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
“Most of all, we are deeply sorry for those family, friends, cricket fans and media who would have gone to such trouble to make arrangements to travel to Galle for the match.
“Rest assured we shall work as quickly as possible with SLC to identify an alternative slot for the match and we shall communicate that as soon as it is confirmed. We’d like to thank the Ireland fans for their continued support and understanding.”
ALSO READ: Cricket365’s Test Team of the Decade
Cricket Ireland have agreed to SLC’s request to reschedule the tour for a later date to ensure that the proposed one-off Test match will come under the next broadcast agreement.
The news of the postponement comes just a day after Ireland cancelled their T20 series with Afghanistan and their plans to change their home Test with Bangladesh to a T20 match.
A remarkable inaugural Test match between Ireland and England in July at Lord’s saw the hosts bowled out for just 85.
Ireland replied with 207 before England made 303 and bowled the tourists out for 38 – the lowest Test score ever recorded at Lord’s – to win the Test a fortnight after the dramatic World Cup victory at the same venue.
Latest
-
News
Angelo Mathews half-century holds up England’s bid for first Test victory
Sri Lanka were 302 for seven at tea for a lead of 16 runs.
-
News
Sri Lanka close in on England’s lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
News
Joe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
England captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.
-
News
Captain Joe Root completes fine double century as England build formidable lead
Root became only the fifth England player to score a Test double hundred in Asia.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.