India-Sri Lanka First ODI Shifted to Vizag
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially shifted the opening One-Day International between India and Sri Lanka from New Delhi to Visakhapatnam. The match will take place at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on December 13, 2026, following concerns over Delhi’s winter air pollution and proposed renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The decision was announced on Thursday, November 5.
DDCA Requests Venue Change Over Delhi Pollution
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) approached the BCCI seeking relocation of the match, citing potential weather-related disruptions and renovation requirements.
Delhi’s deteriorating air quality during winter was a major concern, particularly given the difficulties experienced during India’s Test against Sri Lanka in December 2017.
Several Sri Lankan cricketers struggled with pollution during that match, prompting concerns about player health and playing conditions.
The BCCI accepted the DDCA’s request and confirmed Visakhapatnam as the replacement venue.
Bengaluru and Ahmedabad ODIs Remain Unchanged
The three-match ODI series will now begin in Visakhapatnam on December 13 at 2 pm IST.
The second ODI will take place at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on December 16, while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host the final match on December 19.
The Bengaluru fixture coincides with the IPL 2027 player auction, but the BCCI has not announced any scheduling change.
India-Sri Lanka T20I Series to Follow ODIs
Following the ODI series, India and Sri Lanka will contest three T20 Internationals.
The opening T20I will be played in Rajkot on December 22, followed by Cuttack on December 24 and Pune on December 27.
All three T20Is are scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST.
The revised schedule ensures that the international series proceeds on its original dates while addressing concerns about playing conditions in Delhi.
