BCCI Considers Additional T20I Matches in Sri Lanka and Ireland Amidst Busy Schedule
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New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) The World Champions, India, are in discussions regarding the potential addition of extra T20 matches in both Sri Lanka and Ireland as they gear up for a hectic international calendar over the next year, according to a recent report. These proposed matches would be alongside already confirmed bilateral tours and tournaments.
Cricbuzz reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring the possibility of including three T20Is in India's forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka. These matches are expected to occur prior to the two Tests that are scheduled as part of the World Test Championship (WTC), likely taking place in July-August.
The additional T20Is have been suggested by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as a means of fundraising to assist with flood relief efforts in the nation, which suffered significant devastation due to Cyclone Ditwah last November, resulting in extensive damage and displacement across various regions.
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I team may kick off the Sri Lanka tour with these three short-format matches, followed by the red-ball segment featuring two Tests.
Prior to their visit to Sri Lanka, India is set to tour England for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and five T20Is scheduled from July 1 to 19. There are discussions for a brief stop in Ireland along the way, with plans for a three-match T20I series in Dublin.
Sources cited in the report indicate that negotiations between the BCCI and Cricket Ireland are ongoing, with a positive outlook for the series. If confirmed, the matches could be held in the last week of June.
India has participated in short bilateral series in Dublin during the years 2018, 2022, and 2023, as part of initiatives to foster the growth of cricket in Ireland.
The proposed matches in Ireland would occur shortly after India hosts Afghanistan for a home series that includes one Test and three ODIs, scheduled from June 6 to 20.