Money over humanity? BCCI rejects Sri Lanka’s charity T20s proposal to raise funds for Cyclone Ditwah victims

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined a proposal from Sri Lanka Cricket to play charity matches between India and Sri Lanka in December to raise funds for people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lanka Cricket chairman Shammi Silva said that the Indian board did not approve the request.

SLC had approached the BCCI for charity T20 matches in December to support relief efforts after Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone caused devastation across Sri Lanka, resulting in an estimated USD 1.6 billion in damage and claiming around 600 lives. The rejected charity initiative was a missed fundraising opportunity.

BCCI Declines Sri Lanka’s Request to Play Charity T20I Games Amid Busy Schedule

Sri Lanka Cricket has committed to using the revenue from the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan to support relief and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The matches are scheduled to be played in Dambulla.

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SLC chairman Shammi Silva revealed that the board had earlier explored hosting two charity games in December, but they did not take place due to commercial challenges. He also confirmed that India will tour Sri Lanka in August for a full series comprising two Tests and two T20 Internationals.

“We discussed a tour for two games on December 27 and 29 in aid of Ditwah cyclone reconstruction but could not finalize arrangements on the commercial side in time," said Sri Lanka cricket chairman Shammi Silva, told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

We Are Spending 1.75 Billion LKR for Installing Flood Lights - SLC treasurer

Sri Lanka Cricket has commented on preparations for the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup, with a focus on improving stadium infrastructure to meet international standards. A key venue is the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, which is undergoing major upgrades ahead of hosting World Cup matches.

“We are spending 1.75 billion LKR for installing flood lights in the short term”, Sujeewa Godaliyadda, the SLC treasurer said.

“In the long term, we could hope to host the day night Tests here”, Dodanwela said.

The upgrades will allow the SSC to host five T20 World Cup matches starting in February, including its first-ever World Cup T20 game on February 7. SLC also aims to expand the ground’s seating capacity and explore the possibility of hosting day-night Test matches in the future.

India’s Packed Cricket Schedule for 2026

India have a packed cricket schedule in 2026, with matches spread across the entire year. The season begins in January with a home white-ball series against New Zealand, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is. This series will serve as India’s final preparation before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The T20 World Cup will be played from February 7 to March 8 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. After the tournament, India will shift their focus to overseas assignments.

In June, India will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series. The team will then tour Sri Lanka in August for a two-match Test series.

The year will end with another busy phase. India will tour New Zealand in October for a full series across all formats before returning home in December to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is.

Also read: BCCI officially orders KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman before IPL 2026 amid India-Bangladesh tensions