Pakistan's newly-appointed Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez believes his players face a tough challenge against Sri Lanka in the coming series as they have been deprived of an opportunity to enhance their skills by not being invited to play in the IPL.

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's Test and ODI captain, has said that his team's recent record against Sri Lanka gives it the edge leading into the tour slated for June and July.

Pakistan's one-day and Test captain Misbah-ul Haq said on Friday that he was pleased with his team's progress in fielding and fitness as they prepare for next month's tour of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis and fast bowler Dilhara Fernando have been named in the 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming tours by Pakistan and India. The squad has no new faces.

Speedster Lasith Malinga, who is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League duty, has been placed in the top bracket of USD 100,000 in the central contracts announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in Colombo.

Pakistan are searching for alternate venues for their limited-overs series against Australia later this year after Sri Lanka backed out of hosting it. The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) is scheduled to be held in August, clashing with the dates of the proposed Pakistan-Australia series.

Sri Lanka has begun negotiations with foreign cricket boards to invite overseas players for the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament to be held in August, the country's cricket board said Wednesday.

Sri Lanka Cricket has signed a new deal with Somerset Entertainment Ventures to hold the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) in 2012, ESPNcricinfo has learned.

Pakistan are set to tour Sri Lanka for a full series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals between May 29 and July 13, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed.

Sri Lanka's cricket selectors on Tuesday expressed concern over the fitness of Angelo Mathews, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an all-rounder.