India-Sri Lanka series rescheduled – First ODI on July 18

India-Sri Lanka series involving 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is are now rescheduled to be played between July 18 and July 29, the BCCI confirmed. The actual fixtures were supposed to take place between July 13 and July 25.

The reason for the rescheduling is the outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the Sri Lankan unit that returned from England. Lankan batting coach Grant Flower and video analyst GT Niroshan tested positive for the virus.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in consultation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to reschedule the dates of the ODI and T20I series,” SLC said in a statement. “The move is aimed at providing more time for the Sri Lanka National Players and the Support Staff to complete required health protocols before getting onto the field, following the detection of two members (Batting Coach and Data Analyst) of the National Squad as Covid Positive.”

The BCCI acknowledged the situation and said it would extend all possible cooperation to the SLC, which revised the dates following health advisory from the Sri Lankan government.

“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,” Jay Shah stated in a BCCI release.

Ashley de Silva, SLC CEO, added, “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.”

India-Sri Lank Series Revised Schedule:

ODI Series:

• 1st ODI: July 18

• 2nd ODI: July 20

• 3rd ODI: July 23

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Start Time: 2:30 PM IST (2:30 PM local time- 9:00 AM GMT)

T20I Series:

• 1stT20I: July 25

• 2nd T20I: July 27

• 3rd T20I: July 29

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Start Time: 7:00 PM IST (7:00 PM local time- 1:30 PM GMT)