BCCI opens up on 6 India-Sri Lanka matches – Cricbuzz reveals full report

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a request to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host a short white-ball series against India in August, Cricbuzz has reported. The proposal comes in the wake of India’s decision to cancel their tour of Bangladesh.

Although the BCCI is yet to officially respond, if the series can be held, fans will also get a chance to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are currently not playing two of the three formats (who only play ODIs), back on the international cricket field next month. The SLC has reportedly proposed six white-ball matches – three ODIs and three T20Is – to be played in August.

That is the same number of matches that India was scheduled to play in Bangladesh. However, the BCCI’s response to this will largely depend on their decision on the Asia Cup.

“There has been a request from the SLC, but we have not yet decided on it. We will have to see what happens with the Asia Cup. Everything is interconnected,” a BCCI spokesperson told Cricbuzz. The BCCI usually consults with players and coaches before taking a decision.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is in London this week to watch the Lord’s Test and is likely to hold discussions with the players, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar during or after the match.

The BCCI is likely to respond to the SLC’s request after those discussions. India was scheduled to play six white-ball matches in Bangladesh from August 17 to 31, but the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board postponed the tournament to next year, considering international schedules.

Meanwhile, there are reports that a decision on the Asia Cup can be expected within two to three days. The tournament is in crisis due to the military and political tension between India and Pakistan. As the host of the tournament, the final decision is likely to be taken by the BCCI, which will take the decision on the advice of the Indian government. If the Indian government gives its approval, the Asia Cup is expected to be held from September 10 to 28.