The Sri Lankan cricket board on Wednesday said it is willing to stage the three-nation cricket tournament originally scheduled to be held in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

"We are definitely willing to hold the tournament and we have conveyed our stand to the concerned authorities," said Jayantha Kudahetty of the Sri Lankan cricket board.

Organisers of the April 1-10 tournament involving Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan began searching for a new venue after South Africa pulled out citing security concerns following the outbreak of war in Iraq.

"We are in touch with the United Cricket Board of South Africa to find out if they will agree to play in Colombo," Kudahetty said. 

It was unclear exactly when the tournament would be held if it was shifted as Sri Lanka would need more time to stage the games, he said.

"We have to prepare pitches, get tickets printed and sell the TV rights. All these will need extra time."

Cricket is the most popular game in the tropical island country of 18.6 million people.