The first ODI of Srilanka’s tour of India in December has been shifted from Delhi to Visakhapatnam due to venue related reasons. The venue was changed following a DDCA request due to possible bad weather and planned renovation work at the stadium.

DDCA asked the BCCI to change the match venue due to concerns about Delhi’s air quality in December. Poor air conditions were reportedly a major reason behind the request. The association wanted to prevent similar issues faced during India’s 2017 Test against Srilanka in Delhi. Visiting players struggled with heavy pollution during that match.

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Last ODI at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium featured Bangladesh and Srilanka on November 6, 2023. The match was part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh secured a three wicket victory over Srilanka in that match after successfully chasing down the target.

By late 2026, Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi had hosted a total of 81 International cricket matches across formats. Out of 81 International matches, 36 were Tests, 29 were ODIs and 16 were T20Is played in Delhi. Delhi witnessed a historic India-Pakistan Test match in February 1999 at famous Feroz Shah Kotla ground. Anil Kumble became only the second bowler to take all ten wickets in a single Test innings.

India are currently touring New Zealand for a five match ODI series, which will be followed by two Test matches. Srilanka are currently in Pakistan for a two match Test series which is scheduled to begin on November 9.

Srilanka’s tour of India includes three ODI matches and three T20I matches in December. The second ODI is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru while Ahmedabad will host the third and final match. The T20I series begins in Rajkot on December 22, followed by matches in Cuttack on December 24 and Pune on December 27.