The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed reports suggesting that the opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played in Delhi on December 13, has been shifted to Ahmedabad amid concerns over ongoing construction work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the match remains allotted to the national capital, putting an end to speculation over a possible venue change.
Why were there reports of a venue change?
Speculation over the opening ODI emerged amid reports of ongoing construction work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, raising questions about the venue’s readiness to host the international fixture. The reports suggested that Ahmedabad could replace Delhi as the host of the December 13 match.Saikia said on Monday that no decision had been taken to move the fixture, reiterating that bilateral matches are allotted to venues according to the board’s standard policy.“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 said.“Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy,” he added.The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is already scheduled to host the third and final ODI on December 19.
Do you believe the BCCI should revise its venue policy for international matches?
3k+ users shared opinion today
5k+ users already voted today
3k+ users shared opinion today
India vs Sri Lanka: Full ODI schedule
Sri Lanka are scheduled to tour India from December 13 to December 27, 2026, for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The ODI series will begin in Delhi before moving to Bengaluru, with Ahmedabad hosting the final match.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | December 13, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 2:00 PM |
| 2nd ODI | December 16, 2026 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 2:00 PM |
| 3rd ODI | December 19, 2026 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 2:00 PM |
India vs Sri Lanka: T20I schedule
Following the ODI leg, the two teams will contest a three-match T20I series across Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | December 22, 2026 | Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Rajkot | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | December 24, 2026 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | December 27, 2026 | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 7:00 PM |
