BCCI Confirms India-Sri Lanka ODI Will Remain in Delhi
BCCI Clarifies ODI Match Location
File image of BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia(Photo: @I_lie_really/X)
New Delhi, Oct 12: On Monday, Devajit Saikia, the Secretary of the BCCI, refuted claims that the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, set for December 13 in Delhi, has been relocated to Ahmedabad.
This clarification follows concerns about the Arun Jaitley Stadium's availability, as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is currently engaged in significant renovations, which include upgrading the drainage system and redoing the pitches and outfield.
Saikia stated, “The reports indicating that the ODI match between India and Sri Lanka scheduled in Delhi might be moved to Ahmedabad are incorrect. The BCCI has not made any such decision.”
He further urged media representatives to rely on official BCCI announcements for any scheduling updates, emphasizing that the allocation of bilateral matches adheres to a standard policy.
Previously, it was reported that the extensive renovation of the stadium's drainage system had resulted in Delhi's home games in the Elite Group C of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 being shifted to the Air Force Ground in Palam.
Notably, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is already set to host the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka on December 19, following the second match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on December 16.
These ODI matches are crucial for India, the two-time champions, as they prepare and refine their team combinations for the upcoming 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, which will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Virat Kohli, a key player and former captain who was part of the victorious 2011 World Cup team, previously mentioned to broadcasters JioStar that the 2027 event would mark his final World Cup appearance for India.