New Zealand Cricket is expected to confirm today a three-match series between the Black Caps and a World Invitation XI.
The plan is for one-dayers on January 22, 24 and 26 to include such stars as Shane Warne, fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka, South African Lance Klusener, Zimbabwe
rebels Andy Flower and Heath Streak, and former England batsman Graeme Hick from about 20 volunteers.
"It's going to mean good news for the New Zealand cricketing public, for the national players who need to prepare for the looming Australian visit, and also for the tsunami fund-raising efforts," said Players' Association chief Heath Mills.
"The next step is for FICA [the world players' union] to select a 13-man squad, keeping each player's domestic commitments in mind, and I think we'll hear more today."
Mills said approval from Cricket Australia to reschedule domestic matches had removed a last obstacle. Apart from Warne, approval was given for Justin Langer, Michael Bevan, Ian Harvey, Matthew Elliot and Andy Bichel to play.
Sanath Jayasuriya, whose mother was injured in the tsunami in her home town of Galle, and fellow Sri Lankans Chaminda Vaas and wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara are likely to play at least some of the matches.
