Sri Lanka-India series set to begin on July 18 due to Covid-19 cases in Lankan camp

The tentative date that was originally discussed was July 17, but Shah has confirmed that it will begin July 18.

As a result of a COVID-19 outbreak in the home team camp, India’s six-match white-ball series with Sri Lanka will now begin on July 18, BCCI secretary Jay Shah told ANI on Saturday.

Grant Flower, the visitors’ batting coach, and performance analyst GT Niroshan had both tested positive with the virus, posing a threat to the series. Now BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the series will begin on July 18.

Advertisement

“The India-Sri Lanka ODI series will start on July 18 due to coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka camp,” Jay Shah told ANI.

As per Sri Lanka’s Daily FT, SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva said, “In the event that there are more positive cases leading up to the first ODI on 17 July, they were preparing to field an alternate team from the squads that are practising in Dambulla and in Colombo and are in a bio-bubble.”

In the meantime, reports have surfaced about another Lankan having tested positive. Sandun Weerakkodi, according to ‘Newswire.lk’, has tested positive for the COVID virus. Weerakkodi was also sent to Dambulla on Friday night with Bhanuka Rajapaksa and several other cricketers ahead of the India series, the report states. Asela Guneratne, Angelo Perera, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa are also staying at Cinnamon Grand and will have to undergo quarantine as well.

Rescheduled ODI series

1. July 18 – First ODI, Colombo

2. July 20 – Second ODI, Colombo

3. July 23 – Third ODI, Colombo

 

Rescheduled T20I series

1. July 25 – First T20I, Colombo

2. July 27 – Second T20I, Colombo

3. July 29 – Third T20I, Colombo