The much-anticipated Sri Lanka–India Test series is expected to be played in the second half of August, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) identifying a two-week window for the two-match ICC World Test Championship (WTC) contest. While exact dates are yet to be formally confirmed, sources within both Sri Lanka Cricket and Board of Control for Cricket in India have indicated to Cricbuzz that the Tests are likely to be played between August 15 and 27.
The series is set to follow the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which ends on August 9, leaving a tight turnaround for preparation ahead of the high-profile bilateral assignment.
The proposed window has reportedly been communicated to all key stakeholders, including the Indian team management, as both boards work towards finalising the schedule within a congested international calendar.
T20I series still uncertain
However, uncertainty remains over the proposed three-match Twenty20 International series that was initially expected to accompany the Test tour. At this stage, there is no official confirmation on whether the white-ball fixtures will be included.
The T20I leg was originally discussed as part of a broader initiative, including the possibility of serving as a fundraising effort linked to victims of Cyclone Ditwah last November. Despite this, scheduling constraints continue to pose a major challenge.
ICC delegation visit adds administrative context
Adding significance to the discussions, International Cricket Council delegation member and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is currently in Sri Lanka as part of an assessment visit related to the ongoing situation within Sri Lanka Cricket.
His visit comes in the aftermath of administrative changes within SLC, where the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently dissolved the existing board and appointed an interim Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee to oversee operations.
There is a possibility that members of the Transformation Committee may engage Saikia on the feasibility of the proposed white-ball fixtures during his stay in the country. However, aligning schedules for the additional matches appears increasingly complex.
India’s packed calendar complicates scheduling
One of the major hurdles in confirming the T20Is is India’s already congested international schedule. September, in particular, is expected to be a critical month for multiple commitments across formats.
A proposed six-match white-ball tour of Bangladesh—comprising three ODIs and three T20Is—has been tentatively planned for September. However, its confirmation remains uncertain. The series is a carry-forward of a previously postponed tour, delayed due to political tensions between the two nations.
While diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are believed to be gradually improving, final confirmation of the tour is still pending. BCCI secretary Saikia recently declined to comment on its status, emphasising that focus remains on immediate fixtures.
If the Bangladesh series proceeds, it would further complicate the scheduling of any additional bilateral commitments.
