Revised Schedule Announced For India-Sri Lanka ODI And T20I Series

The start of the upcoming limited-overs series – 3 ODIs followed by as many T20Is – between India and Sri Lanka has been pushed back by five days from its original schedule, and now will begin on July 18, instead of its original date of July 13, announced by the two boards on Saturday.

The second and the third ODIs will be played on July 20 and 23; the T20Is are slated for July 25, 27, and 29 respectively. All games will be played in Colombo.

This postponement of the matches comes in following the report of two people testing positive for the covid-19 virus, or its variant, in the host camp. Sri Lanka men’s team analyst GT Niroshan and batting coach Grant Flower had tested positive for the virus, and hence the entire contingent had to be put into extra quarantine.

On Friday, SLC had proposed a new schedule to the BCCI, that had the ODIs rescheduled to July 17, 19, and 21, with the T20I leg starting on July 24. However, that was also changed and a revised itinerary, after the permission of the health advisory, has been released by the two boards and the tour will now start from July 18th, 2021.

Mr Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said: “We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series.

“Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket.”

Mr Ashley de Silva, an SLC CEO, said: “We are grateful to the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship.”

SLC has put together two squads, one group isolating in Colombo and another in Dambulla, as part of their contingency measure to ensure the series goes ahead. Another recent report revealed that a Sri Lankan player from the alternative squad and bio-bubble in Colombo, which was training as a back-up for the India series, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Revised Schedule Announced For India-Sri Lanka ODI And T20I Series:

Also Read: Just In: Former Indian Fast Bowler Pankaj Singh Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket