Delhi is unlikely to host India vs Sri Lanka ODI due to field overhaul

He may have to wait a little longer for Virat Kohli’s next appearance in front of the home crowd as Delhi are unlikely to host India’s ODI against Sri Lanka on December 13. The ongoing redevelopment of the Arun Jaitley Stadium outfield has all but confirmed that the match will be pushed out of the national capital.

The venue was included in India’s home schedule when the matches were announced in March. However, the extent of the work being carried out on the pitch casts doubt on whether the stadium will be ready to host an international match next month.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is replacing the existing pitch with a sand-based surface. The goal of the upgrade is to improve drainage, allow for faster soil recovery after rain and reduce the likelihood of water pooling on the pitch.

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However, the renovations are expected to put the stadium out of contention for cricket until IPL 2027. With the December deadline looming, Delhi’s chances of retaining Sri Lanka’s ODIs look slimmer.

A source familiar with the project told The Hindu that it will take around four months to complete the work. The source pointed to the drainage benefits of sand outfields, which are already in use in places like Mullanpur and Lucknow. The renovation is expected to put the stadium out of cricket contention until IPL 2027. Courtesy: Special Arrangements

The new surface is also expected to reduce the need for extensive ground cover during rain breaks.

“Once the work is completed, there will be no need to cover the entire ground in case of rain. There would be no puddles in the outfield,” the source said.

For Kohli, a change of venue would mean missing out on an opportunity to play an international match in his hometown. The former India captain has not featured in an ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since the 2023 World Cup.

India’s last appearance at this venue was on 11 October 2023 when they defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets during the tournament.

DOMESTIC CRICKET IS INTERFERING

The DDCA shifted the Ranji Trophy team’s home match to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam. Courtesy: Special Arrangements

The effects of the renovation have already been felt in the domestic campaign in Delhi. The DDCA shifted the Ranji Trophy team’s home match to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam to accommodate the work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Delhi drew against Gujarat in the second round and are scheduled to take up duties in Palam from Monday. Maharashtra is also scheduled to visit Delhi during the second phase of the competition.

Changing the ODI venue to Sri Lanka would add another international fixture to the list of events affected by the reshuffle.

BCCI PREVIOUSLY RULED OUT CHANGE OF VENUE

The likelihood of Delhi losing the match was played down by the BCCI last month. Minister Devajit Saikia dismissed the reports suggesting that the December 13 match could be shifted to Ahmedabad due to construction work.

However, the uncertainty surrounding the completion of the renovation of the outdoor course has brought the question of the venue back into focus.

India Today Digital has reached out to the DDCA for a comment, but has not yet received a response.

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