BCCI's Saikia denies India-Sri Lanka ODI shift from Delhi to Ahmedabad
Synopsis
The BCCI moved quickly to shut down rumours: Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Monday that the first India–Sri Lanka ODI in New Delhi on 13 December has not been moved to Ahmedabad, despite ongoing infrastructure work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With the 2027 World Cup build-up in play and Virat Kohli eyeing a farewell campaign, the series carries more than bilateral stakes.
Key Takeaways
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on 12 October denied reports of the first India–Sri Lanka ODI moving from New Delhi to Ahmedabad .
The first ODI remains scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium , New Delhi , on 13 December .
The DDCA is undertaking major infrastructure work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, including a drainage system overhaul and pitch relaying.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is already confirmed for the third ODI on 19 December ; Bengaluru hosts the second on 16 December .
The series is part of India's build-up to the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Virat Kohli has reportedly said 2027 will be his final World Cup for India.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday, 12 October dismissed reports claiming that the first One-Day International between India and Sri Lanka, originally slated for New Delhi on 13 December, has been relocated to Ahmedabad. In a formal statement, Saikia called the reports inaccurate and said no such decision had been taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
What Saikia Said
'Reports suggesting that the India–Sri Lanka ODI match scheduled in Delhi may be shifted to Ahmedabad are not accurate. There has been no such decision (taken) by the BCCI,' Saikia said in his statement. He added: 'We request media colleagues to kindly refer to official BCCI communications for any updates regarding the schedule. Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy.'
Why the Rumours Emerged
The speculation arose due to reported non-availability of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is currently undertaking significant infrastructure work. The overhaul includes installation of a modern drainage system and the relaying of pitches and outfield. These renovations had already forced Delhi's home matches in Elite Group C of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 to be shifted to the Air Force Ground in Palam, according to earlier reports.
The Full ODI Series Schedule
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is already confirmed to host the third ODI of the India–Sri Lanka series on 19 December, following the second game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 16 December. The first match in Delhi on 13 December remains, as per the BCCI, unchanged.
Stakes for India: The 2027 World Cup Build-Up
The ODI series carries significant weight beyond the bilateral contest. For India, a two-time ODI World Cup champion, these matches are part of the build-up to the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The management is expected to use the series to fine-tune combinations and assess player readiness ahead of the global tournament. Notably, batting stalwart and former India captain Virat Kohli, a member of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad, has reportedly indicated to broadcasters JioStar that the 2027 edition would be his final World Cup appearance for India.
What to Watch
The BCCI's flat denial leaves the 13 December Delhi fixture on track for now, but infrastructure concerns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium have not been resolved. Any further delays in the renovation work could renew pressure on cricket administrators to seek an alternative venue closer to the date. Official BCCI communications remain the only reliable source for schedule updates.
Point of View
And if work overruns, the BCCI may yet face the very decision it is currently dismissing. The 2027 World Cup framing adds pressure: with combination-building underway and Kohli's farewell cycle beginning, the board cannot afford logistical distractions to crowd out the cricketing narrative.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the India–Sri Lanka first ODI been moved from Delhi to Ahmedabad?
No. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on 12 October that the first ODI, scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on 13 December, has not been shifted to Ahmedabad. He called the reports inaccurate and said no such decision was taken by the BCCI.
Why were there reports of the Delhi ODI shifting to Ahmedabad?
The rumours stemmed from ongoing infrastructure renovation at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the DDCA is installing a modern drainage system and relaying pitches and outfield. The same work had already forced Delhi's Ranji Trophy 2026/27 home games to shift to the Air Force Ground in Palam.
What is the full schedule for the India–Sri Lanka ODI series?
The first ODI is scheduled in New Delhi on 13 December, the second at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 16 December, and the third at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 19 December.
Why is the India–Sri Lanka ODI series important?
The series is a key part of India's preparation for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The team management is expected to use the matches to test combinations and assess player form ahead of the global tournament.
What did Virat Kohli say about the 2027 World Cup?
Virat Kohli reportedly told broadcasters JioStar that the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup would be his final World Cup appearance for India. Kohli, a member of India's 2011 World Cup winning team, has not yet retired from ODI cricket.
