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Colombo, August 16: The tri-nation cricket series today collapsed with the South African team pulling out of the tournament citing security concerns, leaving India and Sri Lanka to feature in a three-match bilateral series.
After three days of hectic parleys and constant security reviews following Monday's powerful bomb blast near the team hotels, the South Africans finally took the decision to abandon the tour dealing a big blow to the organisers who had drawn up a revised schedule.
The Indians, who have no problems with the security scenario, will stay back to play a three-match series against the hosts beginning on Friday. All the three matches will be day affairs at the Sinhalese Sports Club with the other two matches scheduled for August 20 and 22.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board Media Coordinator Samantha Algame announced South Africa's withdrawal at a press conference here, ending the suspense over their participation in the tournament.
The CEO of Cricket South Africa, Gerald Majola told a press conference in Johannesburg that the team called off the tour following reports by their security analysts.
He said it was a "sad decision" but they had to take action to safeguard the players. The team would return home immediately. (Agencies)
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