* Sports Minister finally approves Sri Lanka squad

The Ministry of Sports and Tourism has approved the same squad presented by the Sri Lankan national selectors for the forthcoming Coca-Cola Cup. The Sports Minister, Lakshman Kiriella, had earlier refused to approve the 15-man squad, questioning the omission of off- spinner Thilan Samaraweera.

Normally the players selected need the approval of the Minister of Sports and generally the names are approved by the Minister. But this time the Minister controversially refused approval, insisting on Samaraweera's inclusion.

The Minister refused approval for two days but on Friday the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka released the names of players approved by the minister, which didn't contain the name of Samaraweera.

* Sri Lankan tour will be challenging, says Dravid

Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid has said the coming Sri Lankan tour would be challenging and that he was looking forward to it. "The trip will be challenging. Sri Lanka has always been a challenging and interesting venue. I am looking forward to it", the 28-year-old batsman told reporters in Bangalore on Friday.

India is scheduled to play in the limited overs tri-series, involving Sri Lanka and New Zealand, after which it would take on the island nation in a three Test series.

Dravid said he was disappointed with his batting in two crunch matches in Zimbabwe during the recent tour, but expressed happiness that he was among the runs. "I was disappointed with the way I played in the final of the tri-series tournament (against the West Indies)", he said.

© CricInfo