Yorkshire are sending seven of their players to Sri Lanka for an eight-day training camp later this month, including first-team captain Andrew Gale and new signing Jack Brooks.

The Headingley delegation were originally due to go to India but had to change their plans when the Indian board (BCCI) prevented counties from using their country’s facilities as a result of England’s success in the Test series there before Christmas.

The BCCI are unhappy that young English players such as Joe Root have gained experience of their conditions to the detriment of Indian teams.

Both Gale and Brooks have labelled this stance as “bizarre” and “petty” but are delighted to be travelling to Colombo from February 18 to 28 under the guidance of second XI coach Paul Farbrace, the former Sri Lanka assistant coach.

“Originally it was supposed to be India but they won’t let any teams in now because of England’s success,” explained Gale, who is paying his own costs to travel.

“I think it’s all a bit bizarre but it’s probably worked out for the best because the Sri Lanka trip looks a better option.

“Farby has got loads of links and I think he’s hoping to get people like (Kumar) Sangakkara and (Mahela) Jayawardene to come and chat to us.”

Brooks, who is in the final stages of his recovery from an Achilles injury, echoed Gale’s thoughts by saying: “I think it’s a bit petty, more than anything.

“But to be honest, the Sri Lanka trip looks better, so maybe it’s been a bit of a blessing for us.”

Travelling alongside Gale and Brooks will be batsmen Alex Lees and Jack Leaning and Academy trio Eddie Wilson, Barney Gibson and Karl Carver.