India’s scheduled tour of Sri Lanka in August — featuring two Test matches and two T20 internationals — will proceed as planned, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chairman Shammi Silva confirmed. However, he revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined Sri Lanka’s request to play a couple of charity T20 matches in December to raise funds for victims affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka endured devastating losses from Cyclone Ditwah, with reported damages worth approximately USD 1.6 billion and around 600 lives lost. To support reconstruction efforts, the SLC had proposed two charity T20 games on December 27 and 29. However, arrangements could not be finalized.
“We discussed a tour for two games on December 27 and 29 in aid of Ditwah cyclone reconstruction but could not finalize arrangements on the commercial side in time,” Silva told reporters.
Despite the setback regarding the December fixtures, Silva confirmed that India’s full tour in August remains intact, with two Test matches and two T20Is scheduled.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is preparing for its upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Dambulla, scheduled next week. Silva announced that proceeds from these matches will be directed towards the cyclone recovery fund.
SSC Preparing For Future Day/Night Tests, Says SLC
Alongside touring updates, SLC officials shared significant developments regarding infrastructure ahead of the T20 World Cup, set to begin next month. A major highlight is the ongoing refurbishment of the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground.
SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda revealed that LKR 1.75 billion is being invested to install floodlights as part of short-term upgrades. The pylons have reportedly been imported from India, while the lighting system will be sourced from Italy.
Long-term plans include expanding the stadium’s seating capacity from 20,000 to 30,000. SLC CEO Samantha Dodanwela emphasized that SSC’s recognition and redevelopment were long overdue, adding that the venue may host day-night Test matches in the future.
However, SLC clarified that contrary to certain media reports, no discussions have taken place regarding a potential day-night Test against India.
SSC will host the opening match of the T20 World Cup — a day game between Pakistan and the Netherlands — on February 7. The venue will also host four additional matches. Notably, SSC hosted Sri Lanka’s first-ever home ODI against England in 1982.