BCCI, SLC released an updated schedule for India vs Sri Lanka ODIs and T20Is

The revised schedule for India's next tour of Sri Lanka was released on Saturday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The three-match ODI series will now begin on 18th July rather than 13th July, and will be followed by the T20Is.

According to a statement issued by the BCCI, the schedule was revised based on a health advisory after the Sri Lankan contingent discovered two COVID positive patients. The tour, which will include three ODIs and as many T20Is, will now begin on 18th July 2021.

Three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) will now be played on the 18th, 20th, and 23rd of July. The T20I series will begin on 25th July, with the next two matches taking place on the 27th and 29th of July. Furthermore, all games will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

“We know that the circumstances are extraordinary, however, the BCCI would like to provide its entire support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these difficult times to ensure that the forthcoming series runs smoothly. Our medical team is in close contact with the team of doctors at SLC, and the two are working together to ensure that all safety precautions are followed in order for the series to begin. We are optimistic that both nations will put on a spirited performance in the coming days, and we are in for some fascinating cricket,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated.

The SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva, stated, "We are grateful to the BCCI for recognising the issue and willing to cooperate with us at this time, as it has done on other occasions throughout our long-standing partnership."

On Thursday, former Zimbabwe opener and current Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower became the first person in the Sri Lankan camp to test positive for the coronavirus. GT Niroshan, the hosts' data analyst, was the next confirmed instance of the infection, prompting both SLC and BCCI to take action.

In addition to that, there were rumours that Sri Lanka could perhaps field an alternate squad, that had been isolated in Dambula, in order for the ODI series to begin on time, but another positive case, this time involving a cricketer from the alternate squad, compelled the boards to declare a new schedule.

Moreover, Shikhar Dhawan will lead a young Indian team that has six new faces, while usual captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri are presently in England with the Test team.