Team India could play three additional T20Is against Sri Lanka later this year, according to a report by PTI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are reportedly discussing the possibility of adding three T20I matches to India's scheduled tour of the island nation.
India are already set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in the second half of August 2026. The series will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, with the matches expected to be played in Galle and Colombo. If approved, the tour is expected to have more white-ball cricket.
BCCI Exploring Addition of Three T20Is to Sri Lanka Tour
According to a senior BCCI official, the board is exploring the possibility of adding three T20Is to India's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The official said that there is enough room in the schedule to accommodate the extra matches alongside the two-Test series already planned.
"An official from the BCCI said the possibility of playing three T20Is is being explored since a 15-day window is available as per schedule."
The proposed T20I series was initially discussed as a way to raise funds for cyclone relief efforts. The BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have identified a window for the tour.
BCCI Not Considering Five-Year Ban on Overseas T20 Leagues
The BCCI official clarified the board's position on retired Indian cricketers playing in overseas T20 leagues. The official said the BCCI is not considering a five-year cooling-off period for former players who want to participate in franchise leagues around the world.
According to the official, the board has instead formed a three-member committee to study the issue and submit its recommendations on the matter.
The BCCI has discussed overseas league participation rules for retired players on several occasions in recent years. During a recent Apex Council meeting, officials also reportedly discussed possible restrictions on players returning to domestic cricket after taking part in overseas leagues.
The BCCI has formed a three-member committee to review its retirement policy. The matter was discussed during last week's Apex Council meeting, where officials reportedly considered a five-year waiting period for retired players who join overseas leagues and later seek a return to Indian cricket.
India Set for Crucial Sri Lanka Tour Under Shubman Gill
India's next overseas assignment in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle will be a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August 2026. According to Cricbuzz, the two boards have earmarked August 15-27, 2026, as the window for the series.
The games are expected to be played in Galle and Colombo, although the venues have not been officially confirmed yet. Notably, the Test series remains the only confirmed part of the schedule at present.
To help players prepare for Sri Lankan conditions, the BCCI has arranged an India 'A' tour before the main series. Dhruv Jurel will lead the side in two unofficial four-day matches against Sri Lanka 'A' in Galle, scheduled to take place between June 25 and July 5, 2026.
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