India-Sri Lanka white-ball series rescheduled, to now begin on July 18

Mumbai: The Indian team's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, involving three ODIs and three T20Is, has been rescheduled and will now be played between July 18 and July 29, the BCCI confirmed on Saturday.

As per original schedule, the six white-ball games were to be played between July 13 and July 25 but the outbreak of Covid-19 cases in the Sri Lankan camp forced the postponement.

Sri Lanka team's batting coach Grant Flower and video analyst GT Niroshan had tested positive for the dreaded virus on their return from the UK tour, which also meant an extended quarantine period for the squad members.

"Yes, there is a new schedule for the matches in Sri Lanka," Cricbuzz quoted Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary as saying.

Now, the three ODI matches will now be held on July 18, 20 and 23 and the three T20Is on July 25, 27 and 29. All matches will be played at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo

"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in consultation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to reschedule the dates of the ODI and T20I series," SLC said in a statement.

"The move is aimed at providing more time for the Sri Lanka National Players and the Support Staff to complete required health protocols before getting onto the field, following the detection of two members (Batting Coach and Data Analyst) of the National Squad as Covid Positive,' it added.

The BCCI acknowledged the situation and said it would extend all possible cooperation to the SLC, which revised the dates following health advisory from the Sri Lankan government.

"We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series,' said Jay Shah in a BCCI release.

'Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket," he added.

Commenting on the BCCI’s cooperation, Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket said: 'We are grateful for the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship.'(UNI)