The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the opening ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for December 13, would move from Delhi to the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The decision followed a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Why was the India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI shifted?
1. Renovation work at Arun Jaitley Stadium
The first official reason was the ongoing renovation work at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. With the venue undergoing improvements, completing the necessary preparations for an international fixture could have proved difficult. The DDCA therefore asked the BCCI to shift the match to another venue.
2. Delhi’s winter weather and air pollution concerns
Delhi’s air quality also became a major talking point. The city frequently experiences severe pollution during the winter months, when cooler conditions can trap pollutants close to the ground.
There is a troubling precedent involving the same opposition. During India’s Test against Sri Lanka in Delhi in December 2017, visiting players wore protective masks because of heavy smog, and play was interrupted amid concerns about the conditions.
Although the BCCI’s official statement cited potential weather disruption and stadium renovation, reports indicated that air quality was also a consideration behind the venue change.
Why Visakhapatnam was chosen as venue for IND vs SL 1st ODI?
Visakhapatnam offers an established international cricket venue in the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The coastal ground has hosted several international fixtures and provides the BCCI with an alternative for the series opener without changing the match date.
For fans, the shift means the opening ODI will still take place on December 13, but supporters in Delhi will no longer get the opportunity to watch the match at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Also READ: 3 popular actresses who openly confessed having a crush on Virat Kohli
Sri Lanka tour of India 2026: Updated schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | December 13 | Visakhapatnam | 2:00 PM |
| 2nd ODI | December 16 | Bengaluru | 2:00 PM |
| 3rd ODI | December 19 | Ahmedabad | 2:00 PM |
| 1st T20I | December 22 | Rajkot | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | December 24 | Cuttack | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | December 27 | Pune | 7:00 PM |
Also READ: From Lord Shiva to Samurai – Decoding the meaning behind Virat Kohli’s 13 tattoos
