In a swift response to India’s postponed Bangladesh tour, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a proposal to host a six-match white-ball series in August.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s India series request hints at ODI comeback for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
According to Cricbuzz, the request includes three ODIs and three T20Is , mirroring India’s original itinerary in Bangladesh. While the BCCI hasn’t yet issued a confirmation, the series could mark a significant moment: the return of India’s two white-ball veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both are now only active in the ODI format and haven’t played since the T20 World Cup. With the Asia Cup hanging in the balance and scheduling uncertainties in play, the August window has suddenly become a topic of high-level planning. India’s governing body is keen to assess the players’ workload and take coach Gambhir’s input before committing.
The report further added that BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia is set to consult with players and team management during the Lord’s Test, after which a final decision will be communicated. Should the tour be greenlit, Sri Lanka will have the privilege of hosting two modern-day legends in what could be a final stretch of their ODI journey.
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White-ball talks intensify amid Asia Cup tensions and political sensitivities
As Sri Lanka awaits official confirmation, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Asia Cup has complicated the BCCI’s already packed scheduling calendar. The report also stated that, the continental tournament, slated for September 10 to 27, is still pending clearance from the Indian government, primarily due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with host nation Pakistan. Adding to the complications, the BCCI has also raised objections to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) choosing Dhaka as the venue for its July 24 meeting, citing concerns over recent civil unrest in Bangladesh.
The BCCI has formally requested the ACC to relocate the meeting and has even suggested the possibility of pulling out of the Asia Cup if its concerns aren’t adequately addressed. Amid these geopolitical frictions, the UAE has once again surfaced as a backup host for the Asia Cup—an idea that was under consideration even before the recent Pahalgam terror attack but now carries greater urgency.
The report also highlighted that a marquee India vs Pakistan showdown has been tentatively scheduled for September 7, but the final go-ahead will depend on political clearance from New Delhi. Notably, the Asia Cup’s T20 format is seen as a crucial preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in India. For the BCCI, the coming months will demand a delicate balancing act, navigating diplomacy, safeguarding player welfare, and managing high-stakes fixtures all of which could significantly influence India’s cricketing agenda in the lead-up to a major global tournament.
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