India Tour of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced revised timings for the 3-match ODIs and as many T20s against India. The series which had to be postponed by five days due to CVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka camp will now be played from July 18. As for the timings, instead of 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM starts, Shikhar Dhawan & Co will take on Sri Lanka from 3 PM and 8 PM slots.
On Saturday, BCCI and SLC jointly confirmed that the series has been postponed due to COVID-19. Two members of the Sri Lanka team including batting coach Grant Flower tested positive for COVID-19 after their return from England. The entire England squad had to be quarantined due to 7 COVID cases in the camp.
#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/LQSJT5tDmM
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 12, 2021
Now, instead of 13th July, the 1st ODI will be played in Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on July 18 from 3 PM while the T20 matches will start from 8 PM July 25 onwards. All the matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network channels and live-streamed on SonyLIV app OTT platform.
“We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series. Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said.
The Sri Lanka team has already left the quarantine and begun practising for the series while the Shikhar Dhawan-led white-ball specialist squad has also already played two intra-squad practice matches in Colombo.
“We are grateful to the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship,” Ashley de Silva, SLC CEO, said.
| India’s tour of Sri Lanka, 2021 – ODI series: Timing 3 PM | |||
| S.No. | Date | Match | Venue |
| 1 | 18th July | 1st ODI | Colombo |
| 2 | 20th July | 2nd ODI | Colombo |
| 3 | 23rd July | 3rd ODI | Colombo |
| India’s tour of Sri Lanka, 2021 – T20I series: Timing 8 PM | |||
| S.No. | Date | Match | Venue |
| 1 | 25th July | 1st T20I | Colombo |
| 2 | 27th July | 2nd T20I | Colombo |
| 3 | 29th July | 3rd T20I | Colombo |
