Delhi's opening home fixtures in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy season are likely to be relocated to the Air Force Ground in Palam as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) moves ahead with a comprehensive drainage system overhaul at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The revamp, which will also convert the soil-based outfield into a sand-based one, is expected to keep the iconic venue unavailable for an extended stretch of the domestic cricket calendar.

Why the Shift Is Being Considered

The Arun Jaitley Stadium — which recently hosted three T20 Internationals between India and Afghanistan earlier this month — will require a prolonged shutdown once the civil works begin. According to a source familiar with the development, a proposal for the drainage upgrade has already been submitted and is awaiting final approval.

'A proposal has been sent out to improve the drainage system at the venue. Right now, people concerned are waiting for the final approval,' the source said. 'Let's be clear — this process needs time; in winter, it takes time for the grass to grow, and for this, proper sunshine is needed, and you can have an idea of it by seeing the weather in December and January.'

Matches Likely to Move to Palam

Delhi open their Elite Group C campaign away — against Bengal in Kalyani from 11 October. However, their next two fixtures are scheduled as home games: against Gujarat from 18–21 October and Services from 2–5 November. Both matches are now expected to be staged at the Palam Air Force Ground, pending final confirmation reportedly due by the first week of October.

The source added that contractors with prior experience upgrading drainage at other Test venues and who are known to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are likely to be given preference. Tender invitations are expected to be floated soon.

India-Sri Lanka ODI on 13 December Under a Cloud

The four-month timeline initially estimated for the outfield work raises serious questions about New Delhi hosting the men's ODI between India and Sri Lanka scheduled for 13 December. Should the drainage upgrade and subsequent grass cultivation face any delays, the BCCI may be compelled to identify an alternative venue for the international fixture. Delhi's second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra is separately slated for 1–4 February.

New Coaching Setup for Delhi Men's Team

Separately, the DDCA has completed its coaching appointments for the season. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya has been named head coach of the Delhi men's domestic side for 2026/27, succeeding Sarandeep Singh. Notably, it was Singh — serving on the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) — who reportedly recommended Dahiya's name for the role.

Former India pacer Parvinder Awana and Sanjeev Sharma join as bowling coaches, while Kshitiz Sharma and Kuldeep Rawat have been named assistant coaches. Rajkumar Sharma, widely recognised as Virat Kohli's childhood coach, has been appointed mentor of all Delhi men's teams.

This marks Dahiya's fourth stint at the helm of Delhi cricket. He previously guided Delhi to their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007/08 and coached Uttar Pradesh to the semi-finals in 2021/22. His resume also includes IPL assistant coaching stints with Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders, as well as coaching Purani Dilli 6 in the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

Whether the drainage upgrade finishes on schedule will determine not just Delhi's domestic season, but the fate of a high-profile international fixture at one of India's most storied cricket venues.