The opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka on December 13, 2026, has been moved from New Delhi to Visakhapatnam. The change was confirmed after the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) expressed its inability to host the match on the scheduled date.
The decision follows concerns over pollution levels in the national capital during December, along with ongoing renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The DDCA approached the BCCI requesting a change of venue, with air quality understood to be a major factor.
Delhi’s Pollution Concerns Behind Venue Change
The move is also aimed at avoiding a repeat of the difficulties experienced during India’s Test against Sri Lanka in Delhi in December 2017. During that match, visiting players struggled with the city’s poor air quality, bringing the issue of pollution during international cricket into focus.
With similar concerns emerging ahead of the upcoming series, the BCCI has shifted the opening ODI to Visakhapatnam.
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India vs Sri Lanka ODI and T20I Schedule
The first ODI will now take place in Visakhapatnam on December 13. The remaining two matches will be played in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | December 13 | Visakhapatnam |
| 2nd ODI | December 16 | Bengaluru |
| 3rd ODI | December 19 | Ahmedabad |
The second ODI in Bengaluru remains scheduled for December 16, despite coinciding with the IPL 2027 auction. No change has been announced for the fixture.
The three-match T20I series will follow the ODIs, with Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune set to host the matches.
The venue change means Visakhapatnam will host the opening game, while Delhi will miss out on hosting an international fixture in the series.