The Indian team’s six-match limited-overs series in Sri Lanka will now start from July 18, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Saturday, a day after a Covid-19 outbreak in the home team camp forced the postponement.
The series, which was originally scheduled to start with the three ODIs on July 13, had to be rescheduled after Sri Lanka’s batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst G T Niroshan tested positive for the dreaded virus on their return from the UK.
It also meant an extended quarantine period for the squad members. While the tentative date that was originally being discussed was July 17, but Shah confirmed that it will start from July 18. “India-Sri Lanka ODI series to start on July 18 due to Covid-19 outbreak in home team camp,” Shah said.
The three ODI matches will now be held on July 18, 20 and 23 at the Premadasa Stadium followed by the T20Is, starting on July 25. The last two T20Is are set to be played on July 27 and 29 at the same venue.
“We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series,” Shah said in a statement, issued by the BCCI.
Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Ashley De Silva expressed his gratitude towards BCCI for standing by them during hour of crisis. “We are grateful to the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship.”
Earlier in the day, a Sri Lankan player in one of the two bio-bubbles had tested positive for Covid-19 as the virus outbreak continued to rock the home team.