The prospects of the cricket tri-series being salvaged received a boost with the South African squad agreeing to remain in Colombo till a fresh evaluation of the security arrangements is done by an independent team of the International Cricket Council.
The tournament, thrown into jeopardy following Monday's powerful bomb blast in the vicinity of the team hotels, would now start from Wednesday as per a revised schedule, drawn up by the organisers.
After hectic parleys and constant review of the security scenario, the South African team, which was initially keen to return home, decided to stay put in the troubled capital city till the ICC's security team submits its report.
"We will remain in Colombo till the ICC's security team clears the tour," a South African cricket official said.
The new development prompted Sri Lanka Cricket to draw up a revised schedule with India and the hosts playing the first match on Wednesday. The final, which was originally scheduled to be held on August 28, will now be played at the Premadasa Stadium on September 2.
The South African team management, it is learnt, have sought a categorical assurance from the Sri Lankan authorities that its players would be provided foolproof security.
"I would like to have guarantees that our players will be safe and if I don't get those guarantees, I will have no hesitation in withdrawing the squad from Sri Lanka," Cricket South Africa's General Manager for Cricket Affairs Brian Basson said.
The bomb blast at a busy shopping arcade left seven people dead and several others injured, throwing the tri-series into uncertainty even before a ball was bowled.
The first match of the series between Sri Lanka and South Africa was called off on Monday because of rain. Though it was rescheduled for today, it was again put off following a request by the South African Board in view of the tense security situation.
Security has been beefed up for the three participating teams since the incident.
As per the revised schedule, India will take on South Africa in the second match on August 19 by which time the report of ICC's security panel would have been submitted.
The schedule will come into effect only if the report gives a clean chit to the security arrangements.
Following is the revised schedule:
August 16: India vs Sri Lanka
August 19: India vs South Africa
August 21: Sri Lanka vs South Africa
August 24: Sri Lanka vs India
August 26: South Africa vs India
August 29: Sri Lanka vs South Africa
September 2: Final.
