Mumbai: The Sri Lankan team is all set for a return visit to India which would consist of three tests, five ODI’S and a solitary T20 in the months of November and December. However that tour could have an impact on India’s tour to South Africa, which is also slated to be held in December. The schedules for both these series haven’t been announced as of now.
While confirming this, the BCCI remained tight-lipped about the Proteas tour. A Boxing Day Test match between India and Sri Lanka was the plan of Cricket South Africa but the BCCI as of now seems to unenthusiastic about this entire thing. According to a BCCI official, the schedule for the tour of South Africa would be confirmed within this week, which would thus settle all the doubts and confusion.
The Indian team currently is in the island nation for a three-match Test series, a five- match ODI series and a lone T20 on the September 6th after which the Sri Lankans would travel to the UAE to play two test matches, five ODI’s and three T20’s against Pakistan in September and October. They would then head to India for the return visit in November-December.
“The Sri Lanka tour to India has been brought forward from February next year because we are hosting the tri-nation Independence Cup during that period,” said Ashley de Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.
He also added, “Sri Lanka was due to tour India from February end to the first week of April next year and the dates would have clashed with the Independence Cup. That’s why we requested the Indian board for a change to bring the tour forward and they have agreed.”
Silva also highlighted the fact that though the India series has been confirmed, the dates are yet to be finalized. He said, “The dates for the Pakistan series and the Indian tour are currently being worked out.”