The opening match of the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODI series has been officially relocated from Delhi to Visakhapatnam. Originally scheduled to take place in the national capital on December 13, the fixture will now be held at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. This decision follows formal requests from the Delhi and District Cricket Association to the national governing body. Officials confirmed the venue shift on Thursday, citing logistical challenges and environmental factors as primary drivers for the sudden change in the tour schedule.
- The series opener is now set for December 13 in Visakhapatnam.
- Delhi faced venue issues due to ongoing stadium renovations at Feroz Shah Kotla.
- High air pollution levels in the capital also influenced the final decision.
- Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour.
Reasons Behind the Venue Change
The decision to move the India vs Sri Lanka clash stems from significant infrastructure upgrades currently underway at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ongoing renovation work, which includes relaying the outfield, made hosting an international match unfeasible in December. As a result, the local association sought alternative arrangements to ensure the match could proceed without disruption. Additionally, the recurring issue of severe air pollution in Delhi during the winter months played a critical role in the board’s assessment.
Impact on the Upcoming Tour
This adjustment marks a notable change in the itinerary for the visiting Sri Lankan squad. After the opening game in Visakhapatnam, the series will continue as planned across other designated venues in India. The board remains committed to completing the three-match ODI series and the following T20I matches on schedule despite the venue switch. Fans holding tickets for the original Delhi fixture are expected to receive updates regarding refunds or exchanges through the official ticketing channels soon. The team management is now adjusting their travel logistics to accommodate the move to the coastal city.
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