The opening ODI of the upcoming three-match series between India and Sri Lanka is likely to be moved out of Delhi due to concerns over rising pollution levels and ongoing renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The match is scheduled to take place in the national capital on December 13, but its venue could change following a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
According to a report by Cricbuzz on Monday, the DDCA has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressing its inability to host the international fixture. While renovation work at the stadium is one of the concerns, the worsening air quality in Delhi appears to be the primary reason behind the request.
🚨 The DDCA has requested BCCI to move the 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka out of New Delhi
The board has cited multiple reasons, including pollution and renovations at the stadium https://t.co/kn4gSC6yoh
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 2, 2026
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A source quoted by Cricbuzz indicated that the association is particularly concerned about the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) and wants to avoid potential complications. “More than the renovation work, we want the match to be moved because of AQI in Delhi,” the source was quoted as saying.
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The latest development comes despite the BCCI previously dismissing reports suggesting that the India-Sri Lanka ODI could be shifted to Ahmedabad. On October 12, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that no decision had been taken to relocate the match and urged the media to rely on official announcements regarding the schedule.
However, following the DDCA’s latest request, the BCCI is now likely to consider moving the series opener to another venue. The remaining fixtures of the ODI series are currently scheduled to take place as planned. Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the second ODI on December 16, while the third and final match is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.
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Following the 50-over series, India and Sri Lanka will also compete in three T20Is. Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune are scheduled to host the matches on December 22, 24 and 27, respectively. An official confirmation regarding the venue of the opening ODI is still awaited.
