COLOMBO, Dec 28: The Sri Lankan cricket team's tour of New Zealand will continue despite the tsunami which has killed nearly 19,000 people in their homeland, officials said on Tuesday.

The tour was put on hold on Monday for five days in recognition of a Sri Lankan period of mourning but the players had said earlier on Tuesday they wanted the tour to be delayed indefinitely.

"Sri Lanka Cricket, whilst sharing some of the views expressed by the players, have not had much option but to continue with the tour," a Sri Lanka Cricket statement said.

"We appreciate the understanding of the New Zealand Cricket Board who have agreed to reschedule the tour and allow the postponement of two one-day internationals."

According to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, a tour can only be cancelled if there is a security threat to the players or the government of the nations involved call the teams back. However, an ICC spokesman said that if there was an agreement between the two playing countries, the tour could be postponed. -Reuters