Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that it will send a strong A side to tour Zimbabwe.

The itinerary has not been finalised, but the trip is scheduled to take place between October 10 and 31. At least three four-day games will be played against the full Zimbabwean side, which is using the matches as part of groundwork for a Test return.

India and South Africa sent A sides to the country in August but both experienced problems, especially with food which is in increasingly short supply as a result of the government's attempts to battle the spiralling inflation rate and mass unemployment.

In July, West Indies cancelled their proposed A-team tour after players refused to go on safety grounds.