India-Sri Lanka ODI to remain in Delhi, BCCI clarifies

In a brief statement on Monday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the match, scheduled for December 13, was allotted to Delhi as per standard policy and no change has been made to the venue. “Reports suggesting that the India-Sri Lanka ODI match scheduled in Delhi may be shifted to Ahmedabad are not accurate. There has been no such decision by the BCCI,” Saikia was quoted as saying by PTI.

“Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy,” he added.

The reports had suggested that the match was being moved to Ahmedabad, which is set to host the series finale on December 19, due to ongoing construction work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

The denial comes amid a packed calendar for the Indian team. India are currently engaged in a white-ball series against West Indies, with the T20I leg underway and the ODI leg having concluded earlier this month. Following that, the team will travel to New Zealand for a multi-format series beginning October 22, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.

The New Zealand tour will be followed by a home assignment against Sri Lanka, which includes both ODI and T20I series. The Delhi venue last hosted an international fixture during India’s clash against Afghanistan, and the Arun Jaitley Stadium remains a regular stop on the BCCI’s home calendar.

Apart from the three ODIs, Sri Lanka will also play a three-match T20 International series during their tour.

IND vs SL ODI & T20I Schedule