The matches are seen as keen to cricket development in the US

New Zealand and Sri Lanka will contest a three-match Twenty20 series in Florida in May.

The Pearls Cup series will be the first time major cricket nations have competed in the United States.

The games will be played at Lauderhill from 20-23 May and are seen as key to help advance the sport in the country.

"We want to demonstrate to the American public just how exciting the Twenty20 format is", said USA Cricket chief Donald Lockerbie.

"Cricket is already popular here but has lacked major media coverage. This inaugural series is the first step to reverse this situation."

"The historic event will provide great exposure for cricket and some of the world's top players will be on show here," added president of USA Cricket, Gladstone Dainty.

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"USA Cricket has worked hard to bring this event about and we are very excited about the potential impact of this series for the growth and development of cricket in the United States."

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