The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that the opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka remains scheduled in Delhi and has not been moved to Ahmedabad.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rejected reports suggesting that the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi could lose the series opener because of ongoing construction work. He said no decision had been taken to change the venue.
Saikia said the allocation of bilateral matches continues to follow the board’s standard policy. He also urged media organisations to rely on official BCCI communications for any future changes to the schedule.
Under the schedule issued by the BCCI, India and Sri Lanka are due to play the first ODI on December 13 in the national capital. Ahmedabad is currently set to host the third and final ODI on December 19.
The bilateral tour will also include three T20I matches between Sri Lanka and India.
Delhi pollution concerns resurface
The venue clarification comes as concerns remain over Delhi’s air quality during the winter months, when pollution levels are expected to increase. The scheduling of a major cricket match in the capital in December has previously faced scrutiny for this reason.
During Sri Lanka’s 2017 tour, pacer Suranga Lakmal was seen vomiting on the field and was escorted off the ground. Following that incident, the BCCI indicated that matches in Delhi between October and December would be considered carefully. Then acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Chaudhary had said that the scheduling of fixtures in the capital during that period would be reviewed.
Air pollution also became an issue during the 2023 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Both teams cancelled their training sessions, while players who attended optional practice did so wearing face masks.
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