India have reportedly agreed to play more Twenty20 Internationals during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as a gesture of support for relief and recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chairman Shammi Silva confirmed the development and said more matches would be included in India’s tour of the island nation later this year as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The additional accessories are expected to help raise funds and maintain public attention for reconstruction work in the cyclone-affected regions.
As quoted by dailymirror.lk, Silva said the decision reflects India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread damage in several parts of the country.
Silva further revealed that India had earlier agreed to tour Sri Lanka in late December to play two T20 Internationals exclusively to raise funds for cyclone relief. However, these matches could not be organized due to logistical problems and the lack of a broadcast partner.
“India were willing to come together at the end of December to play two T20Is to raise funds, but there just wasn’t time to organize it, especially with no broadcaster available,” Silva said.
Expressing gratitude for India’s continued support, the SLC chairman added that further T20Is scheduled during the August tour are expected to generate much-needed revenue while ensuring a sustained focus on relief and recovery efforts in affected areas.
India’s 2026 international calendar is already challenging. The year is structured into three main blocks: the home white-ball series against New Zealand, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the subcontinent and the mid-year overseas tour of England. The remainder of the schedule is governed by the ICC Future Tours program, with several series still awaiting detailed match itineraries from the respective boards.
India are also set to close 2026 with a home limited-overs series against Sri Lanka that will include three ODIs and three T20Is.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 2, 2026
