Sri Lanka postponed an under-19 cricket tour to Pakistan following the devastating tsunami that has killed more than 21,000 people across southern Asia.

Tidal waves triggered by the world's biggest earthquake in 40 years ravaged Sri Lanka on Monday and it is believed over 3000 people died or went missing after the waves hit the northern coast of the island.

"The Sri Lankan board has informed us that they have postponed the tour indefinitely," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan told Reuters.

"We can understand that in their current state of affairs they are in no position to play a cricket series."

Earlier on Monday, the Sri Lankan cricket board put on hold the tour to New Zealand by the Sri Lanka senior team in recognition of a five-day period of national mourning.

The Sri Lankan juniors were scheduled to tour Pakistan from December 31 with matches to be played in Karachi, Multan and Lahore.