Published on: Nov 3, 2026 12:14 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 3, 2026 12:14 pm IST
The opening one-day international of the 3-match series of the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODIs scheduled for December 13 is likely to be relocated from the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the nation’s capital. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) are working in coordination to finalize an alternate venue to host the first game of the series.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is set to undergo extensive stadium infrastructure and pitch renovation. Also, heavy winter fog during the month of December is one of the major reasons why the match is being shifted from the venue.
The primary driver behind the potential venue shift stems from scheduled large-scale renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The DDCA has initiated comprehensive upgrades aimed at modernizing the venue’s overall infrastructure.
The planned renovation includes relaying the playing outfield, upgrading the drainage system, and making some changes to the pitch. Due to the active construction zone and ongoing field maintenance work, hosting an international fixture of this magnitude on December 13 presents significant logistical challenges.
December is the month when North India experiences dense smog and thick fog. Playing a white-ball game during winter in December in the northern part of the country is always challenging. The climate significantly impacts visibility during late-afternoon and day-night fixtures.
Given the fact that ODIs typically extend into the evening under floodlights, reduced visibility creates trouble for players and increases the likelihood of extended delays or abandoned play. The BCCI is wary of the challenges Delhi may observe during December, and in such a situation, a cricket game couldn’t be played at the venue.
The first of the three India vs Sri Lanka ODIs is expected to be shifted to the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is already going to host the series finale on December 19. Addressing the venue allotment speculation and rotation guidelines, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated:
“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 by the BCCI.”
He also added,
“Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy.”
The official clarification on the venue for the first of the three India vs Sri Lanka ODIs is yet to be made; the BCCI selection and operations team continues to monitor DDCA’s readiness for the venue. In case the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is formally ruled out, alternate venues in western or southern regions, where winter weather conditions are more favorable for 50-over cricket, should be prioritized