In mid-August, the Indian cricket team is expected to play a six-match white-ball series against Sri Lanka on their home soil. A renowned news agency, Newswire, reported on July 9 (Wednesday) that India is most likely to tour Sri Lanka for a series of three ODIs and three T20Is. According to uccricket, both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are finalising a short series, mirroring the recently postponed bilateral tournament against Bangladesh, which will reportedly take place in September 2026.
Window Opens for IND vs SL Series
As the August window is also open for Sri Lanka, the BCCI is seeking an India tour of Sri Lanka. The Lanka Premier League (LPL), which generally takes off during July-August, was postponed, allowing Sri Lanka to be available in the next month. Meanwhile, canceling the India tour of Bangladesh at the eleventh hour sparked the anticipation for another series to compensate for the affected schedule.
The sudden gap in India’s schedule has prompted the BCCI to explore alternative options, and Sri Lanka has emerged as the ideal host. India was not convinced to follow the planned Bangladesh series, given geopolitical conflicts sparked outrage, citing safety and political concerns after Bangladesh supported Pakistan during the recently escalated tensions.
Both teams are currently free in mid-August, making it a viable window before Sri Lanka tours Zimbabwe at the end of the month. As things stand, both boards are actively discussing the feasibility of hosting the matches in Sri Lanka, though an official announcement is still awaited with exact dates and venue.
A big Relief for Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Fans
The Indian fans are armed with excitement, particularly followers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are now only active in ODI cricket. With India’s next confirmed ODI assignment will take place against Australia in October, the postponement of the Bangladesh tour meant an extended break for both stalwarts. However, the potential Sri Lanka series in August could bring them back into action much sooner than expected.
While it is likely that a young Indian side will play the T20Is, the ODIs could see the return of several senior players if the tour gets underway.
India & Sri Lanka’s Recent History
The last white-ball clash between India and Sri Lanka took place in July 2024, with India winning the T20I series and Sri Lanka surprising the Men in Blue with a 2-1 win in the ODIs. India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, kicked off this stint with that series. If the upcoming series is finalized, it would provide an opportunity for India to settle scores from their previous ODI defeat.
Ongoing Commitments
India is currently wrapping up its Test series in England, which concludes on August 4.
Sri Lanka is completing a home T20I series against Bangladesh, ending on July 16, and will head to Zimbabwe on August 29.
This potential series isn’t part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) but presents a valuable opportunity for both teams to stay competitive ahead of the Asia Cup T20 and other important assignments in the latter half of 2025.
