The Kiwis were scheduled to host five one-day matches and two Tests against the Sri Lankans but the tour was postponed after just one match because of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

With New Zealand not scheduled to play again until they host Australia at the end of February, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden is trying to plug the gap in the programme.

Snedden told the New Zealand Herald newspaper he had asked India to consider touring the country and was also dealing with the ICC to arrange a series against a combined world team.

"I'm not sure whether it would be Tests or one-day internationals against India, or what the time frame might be," said NZC chief executive Martin Snedden.

"But the first step is to see whether they're prepared to send a team here in the first place.

"We've formally applied to the ICC for permission and support, so that other Test-playing nations might be encouraged to release players for the event," Snedden said.