New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has dismissed reports of a venue shift, confirming that the opening One Day International between India and Sri Lanka will take place in Delhi as originally planned on December 13. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia put an end to speculation that the fixture might be relocated to Ahmedabad due to ongoing renovations at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Earlier rumors suggested that Ahmedabad, which is already designated to host the final match of the ODI series, could step in as an alternative location. However, the board clarified that no such alteration has been approved, reaffirming that Delhi will retain the opening game. Saikia emphasized that bilateral fixtures are assigned strictly in accordance with established board policies rather than ad-hoc changes.
The upcoming tour will feature three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. Following the opening match in the capital, the second ODI is slated for Bengaluru on December 16, with Ahmedabad hosting the concluding 50-over fixture on December 19.
The subsequent T20I leg is set to commence in Rajkot on December 22, move to Cuttack for the second match on December 24, and conclude in Pune on December 27. Before hosting Sri Lanka, the Indian team is engaged in a T20I series against the West Indies and an upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is currently concluding a limited-overs assignment in Pakistan.