The itinerary for the Sri Lanka-India limited series has been revised but Covid-19 concerns still prevail.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket on Saturday have jointly released the revised schedule for the two limited overs series between the Men in Blue and the Islanders.
The revision was compelled after Sri Lankan batting coach Andy Flower and video analyst had tested positive for the virus infection on return from the England tour.
As the two boards agreed to delay the start of the series, a players of the Sri Lankan squad has reportedly also been reported infected by the Wuhan virus.
The One-Day International series between India and Sri Lanka will begin on July 18, and the tour will conclude on July 29, with the final T20I of a three-match series.
India and Sri Lanka will play three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, all in Colombo. The ODI series begins on Sunday, July 18, and India’s tour concludes with the third and final T20I, on July 29.
Earlier on Monday BCCI secretary Jay Shah had spoken to the Sri Lankan board. Shah had demanded that the team members who returned from England should be excluded from the India series, or the first match of the tour be delayed by several days.
“We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series,” said Shah.
“Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket.”
Ashley de Silva, SLC CEO, added: “We are grateful to the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship.”
Revised scheduled ODI series: July 18 – First ODI, Colombo; July 20 – Second ODI, Colombo; July 23 – Third ODI, Colombo.
T20I series: July 25 – First T20I, Colombo; July 27 – Second T20I, Colombo; and July 29 – Third T20I, Colombo.
