In a fresh development in international cricket scheduling, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking a limited-overs bilateral series in the coming months. This move follows Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision to cancel their proposed series against Sri Lanka, leaving the island nation with a significant gap in its calendar.
Why was the Bangladesh tour cancelled?
According to reports from cricketing circles, Bangladesh had earlier planned to host Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series involving three ODIs and as many T20Is. However, the series was shelved due to scheduling conflicts and Bangladesh prioritising preparatory camps ahead of their upcoming international commitments.
Sri Lanka turns to BCCI for series window
With the Bangladesh series now off the table, SLC is keen to ensure its players get adequate international exposure ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup preparations. The board has requested the BCCI to accommodate a short ODI and T20I series either in India or Sri Lanka, depending on availability.
Key factors influencing Sri Lanka’s request
- Preparations for Champions Trophy and Asia Cup: Limited match practice could impact Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in upcoming ICC events.
- Revenue generation: Home series or bilateral tours with India yield substantial broadcasting and sponsorship revenue for Sri Lanka Cricket, critical in their post-COVID financial recovery.
- Player development: Providing younger players opportunities against top-tier sides like India will accelerate their transition.
India’s packed cricket calendar – will BCCI accept?
The Indian cricket team is currently engaged in their home Test series and is expected to tour Australia later this year. Additionally, BCCI has scheduled domestic tournaments and women’s cricket camps across the upcoming months. Therefore, finding a window for the Sri Lanka series will be challenging.
| India Cricket Calendar (July – Dec 2025) | Series/Tournament | Status |
|---|---|---|
| July-August | Domestic Duleep Trophy | Confirmed |
| September | Asia Cup 2025 | Scheduled |
| October-November | Australia tour (Tests & ODIs) | Scheduled |
| December | West Indies T20I series (proposed) | TBD |
(Source: Cricket boards planning documents)
Past India-Sri Lanka bilateral encounters
India and Sri Lanka share one of the richest bilateral histories in world cricket, having played over 160 ODIs against each other since 1979. The last limited-overs series between the two was in January 2023, when India defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODIs and 2-1 in T20Is at home.
Potential venues and broadcast impact
If the series is held in India, it will attract high TRPs, especially with emerging Indian talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi in focus. Conversely, a series hosted in Sri Lanka could boost tourism and stadium revenue as Indian fans frequently travel for neighbouring nation tours.
Players to watch if series materialises
- India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (if rested seniors continue rotation)
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana
What experts are saying
Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene emphasised the importance of continuous international fixtures:
“For a team like Sri Lanka, match fitness and international exposure matter as much as skill training. Regular series keep players mentally sharp and tactically ready.”
Similarly, Indian analysts suggest that such a series could provide the perfect platform for India’s bench strength testing ahead of the Champions Trophy.
BCCI’s strategic considerations before approval
- Player workload management: After an intense IPL and international schedule, BCCI will assess player fatigue levels.
- Broadcast agreements: Scheduling must align with broadcasters to maximise commercial returns.
- Venue availability: Monsoon impacts ground conditions in several Indian states during August-September.
Implications if BCCI agrees to the series
| Possible Benefits for Sri Lanka | Possible Benefits for India |
|---|---|
| Match practice for ICC events | Opportunity to test bench strength |
| Financial revenue boost | Maintaining international match rhythm |
| Strengthening diplomatic sporting ties | Increased fan engagement pre Asia Cup |
Sri Lanka’s broader cricket revival strategy
Sri Lanka has been ramping up domestic reforms and infrastructure modernisation to reclaim its once-dominant position in Asian cricket. Strategic bilateral series with cricketing powerhouses like India form part of SLC’s roadmap to rebuild brand equity, regain ICC rankings, and attract global sponsorships.
Conclusion
The decision now rests with BCCI, which is known for its proactive support to neighbouring cricket boards while ensuring Indian players’ workload balance. Whether the Sri Lanka limited-overs series gets slotted into India’s already packed calendar remains to be seen, but it reiterates India’s central role in Asian cricket scheduling dynamics.
Disclaimer
This news article is for informational and general awareness purposes only. Readers are advised to consult official cricket board announcements, match schedules, and ICC updates for the latest confirmation before planning travel or viewing subscriptions based on this report.
