Colombo, August 15 :

South Africa’s cricket authorities on Tuesday approved a proposal to continue with the limited-overs tri-series in bomb-hit Sri Lanka pending security clearance from the sport’s world governing body.

The tri-series hung in the balance after South Africa indicated they wanted to return home following a blast close to their team hotel here on Monday which killed seven people and injured eight. “We are told the ICC wants to have its own security assessment,” South African media manager Gordon Templeton told reporters here.

“After discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), we have decided to stay on in Colombo and will take part in the tri-series if the security clearance comes.”

The ICC has three days to gauge the situation in the Sri Lankan capital before South Africa’s first match in the series against India on Saturday, according to the revised schedule drawn up by the organisers. The series gets underway on Wednesday with a day-night match between Sri Lanka and India at the Premadasa stadium.

The original series opener between South Africa and Sri Lanka, which was rained off on Monday and cancelled on Tuesday following South Africa’s reluctance to play, will now be held on August 29. The final will now take place on September 2.

The Indian team decided against cancelling its tour following increased security and positive indications from the diplomatic mission in Colombo.