Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host a brief bilateral series in August 2025 after India’s white-ball visit to Bangladesh was formally postponed until 2026. The six matches in the proposed series—three ODIs and three T20Is—will cover the void left by the now-canceled Bangladesh visit.
Initially India were due to tour Bangladesh between August 17 to 31 due to three ODIs and three T20Is. Yet, when the issue regarding the schedule and international obligations was taken into account, the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed upon the idea to postpone the series until September 2026. The delay has seen the BCCI shoving off other engagements.
SLC saw an opportunity and made an official approach to the BCCI to organize a bilateral white-ball series in mid-August. Due to the rescheduling of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which frees up domestic time for international games, the window works well with Sri Lanka’s calendar. Indian batting mainstays Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now only play in One-Day Internationals, will return for the series if it is granted.
A Cricbuzz article claims that the suggestion is presently being examined by the BCCI. Following talks with the Indian team administration, which includes chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, during the current Lord’s Test in London, a decision is anticipated. Notably, Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI, actively participates in these discussions.
BCCI yet to decide on Asia Cup
Although there are serious considerations of Sri Lanka being considered, the final decision will greatly rely on the situation that the BCCI will find the island country during the Asia Cup. To be held in September, the Asia Cup is hanging in the air because of some political tensions that are currently surrounding the region especially between India and Pakistan. In view of the government attitude by India, the BCCI should be in following official advisories.
The Asia cup decision will probably be made in a few more days. In case the tournament is delayed or shifted to a later stage, then there is hope that it may allow the series between India and Sri Lanka to be played. In the meantime, Asia Cup going green has the ability to restrict the internationally lacking schedule and compel the BCCI to rethink further bilateral matches.
