Delhi Out? DDCA Asks BCCI to Shift India-Sri Lanka ODI
The DDCA has requested the BCCI to move the India vs Sri Lanka ODI from Delhi due to ground renovations and winter weather concerns.
The cricketing world is bracing for the upcoming clash between India and Sri Lanka, but the first stop of the One Day International (ODI) series might be changing. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has officially approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a request to move the India Sri Lanka ODI scheduled for the national capital.
Why Delhi is Requesting a Shift
According to a DDCA source, the association feels unprepared to host the high-profile encounter on December 13. The request stems from two primary concerns that could jeopardize the quality of the match and the experience of the fans.
- Ground Renovations: The Arun Jaitley Stadium is currently undergoing significant renovation work, making it difficult to ensure the facility is match-ready by the scheduled date.
- Winter Weather: December in Delhi is notorious for unpredictable and often unfavorable weather conditions, including dense fog and cold waves, which could lead to delays or cancellations.
"We have officially requested the BCCI that we can't host the India vs Sri Lanka ODI on 13 December because our ground is under renovation, and there is also a weather issue in the same month," the DDCA source stated.
The Original Schedule and What's Next
As per the initial itinerary, the three-match ODI series was slated to kick off in Delhi, followed by the second match in Bengaluru and the series finale in Ahmedabad. Following the ODIs, the two nations are set to battle it out in a three-match T20I series with fixtures planned for Rajkot, Cuttack, and Pune.
The cricketing community now awaits the BCCI's decision on whether to honor the DDCA's request or push forward with the original plan for the capital city.
Team India's Current Status
While the logistics for the Sri Lanka series are being debated, the Indian team is currently focused on their tour of New Zealand. Coming off a successful 3-2 victory in a five-match T20I series, the side, led by Shubman Gill, is preparing for a five-match ODI series starting at Eden Park in Auckland. This will be followed by a two-match Test series against the Kiwis.