Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approached the BCCI to host a six-match white-ball series in August 2025. When the BCCI decided to postpone Bangladesh’s limited-overs tour due to scheduling issues and political tension between the countries.
India initially scheduled a 3-ODI and 3-T20I white-ball tour of Bangladesh for August 17–31, 2025. There is now an unforeseen void in India’s cricket schedule as the Bangladesh tour has been rescheduled for September 2026.
In their last 12 home ODI series, Sri Lanka has won 11 of them. On home ground, they hope to extend their winning run against India.
Sensing an opportunity to fill this vacant schedule, SLC submitted a formal request to BCCI to host a bilateral series. They want to keep three ODIs and three T20Is, the same format and number of matches as the now-cancelled Bangladesh tour had.
The timing suits Sri Lanka well, as the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has also been postponed. LPL was initially scheduled for July-August, which freed up Sri Lanka Cricket for international fixtures. This rare alignment of free windows for both teams has been proposed, despite the series not being part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
BCCI’s Response and Pending Decision
Although BCCI has acknowledged SLC’s request, it has not yet issued a formal ruling. The outcome of the proposal’s current evaluation by the Indian cricket body will rely on the preparations for the 2018 Asia Cup. The expected dates of the 2025 Asia Cup are September 17–27.
An informed BCCI source explained, “There is a request pending from the SLC, but we have not decided on it yet. We will have to see the situation with the Asia Cup. Everything is interlinked.”.
It has been clear that before making any decision, the BCCI wants to consult with players and coaches. They want to ensure commitments and the interest of all parties, including players and coaches.
Implications for Indian Cricket and Player Returns
If BCCI approves this series, we could see the return of star Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket. Both players have retired from T20I and Test cricket. They both will only want to focus on the 50-over format and the IPL.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is hosting Bangladesh in a home series. The home team has already defeated Bangladesh in the Test and ODI series. The remaining 3-match T20I series is set to begin on 10 July. After this, Sri Lanka has a free window until late August before the Zimbabwe Tour.
While communication between the BCCI and SLC is ongoing, both boards want to capitalize on this rare vacant opportunity. An official statement is expected soon; its confirmation will depend on the Asia Cup schedule, player availability, and government approvals.
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