New Zealand Cricket has been forced to cancel the District Associations' match against Zimbabwe scheduled for Blenheim from December 17-19.

The game will be replaced by a day-night game against Canterbury on December 19 at Jade Stadium.

New Zealand Cricket administration manager Tim Murdoch said today that Zimbabwe's travel arrangements after its tour to India were behind the change.

"That tour concludes on December 15 and with the District match scheduled to commence on December 17 the Zimbabwe team have decided that there is insufficient time to travel, rest and prepare adequately for that match.

"They have agreed to play a replacement game which will be a day-night game against Canterbury on December 19 at Jade Stadium," he said.

Murdoch said he felt sorry for the Districts but was hopeful something could be arranged for next year's international programme.

© CricInfo