Sri Lanka's cricket authorities have withdrawn a squad of foreign cheerleaders from the ongoing one-day cricket series against India after protests over the scantily-clad women.
Cultural Minister Yapa Abeywardena said he had asked organisers to drop the squad of 24 eastern European women, despite their part in rousing the home team to an easy victory over India in the first match on Monday.
"It is not in keeping with our tradition," the minister told reporters. "I have asked the Cricket Board to drop this item immediately."
Several politicians in conservative Sri Lanka protested against the colourful addition to the matches, officials said, adding that they decided to respect requests to scrap the performances.
The first two of the five matches were to be played at the Dambulla International Stadium near the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, a World Heritage site known for its frescoes of bare-chested women.
