Last Updated: November 5, 2026 07:33 PM
Cricket fans love to plan their match days well in advance. Sometimes the schedule changes and supporters must adjust their plans. A fresh announcement from the board has surprised many fans today.
What the Board Announced
BCCI shifts India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI from Delhi to Visakhapatnam. The match will now take place on December 13, 2026 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Delhi had been the planned venue for this opening match. The board shared this news in an official press release on November 5, 2026.
The board gave two clear reasons for making this venue change. Weather could disrupt the match in Delhi during that time. Planned renovation work at the Delhi stadium also played a role.
About the Six-Match Series
The home series against Sri Lanka has 6 matches in total. Three ODIs come first and three T20Is follow after them. The series runs from December 13 to December 27, 2026.
It also serves as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host that tournament together. The three ODIs give both teams a chance to test batting and bowling combinations.
Both teams want to settle their best XI before the global event. The India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI will start this important preparation phase.
Updated Fixtures – December 2026
| No. | Day & Date | Match | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday, 13 Dec 2026 | 1st ODI | 2:00 PM | Visakhapatnam |
| 2 | Wednesday, 16 Dec 2026 | 2nd ODI | 2:00 PM | Bengaluru |
| 3 | Saturday, 19 Dec 2026 | 3rd ODI | 2:00 PM | Ahmedabad |
| 4 | Tuesday, 22 Dec 2026 | 1st T20I | 7:00 PM | Rajkot |
| 5 | Thursday, 24 Dec 2026 | 2nd T20I | 7:00 PM | Cuttack |
| 6 | Sunday, 27 Dec 2026 | 3rd T20I | 7:00 PM | Pune |
Recent Form of Both Teams
India and Sri Lanka met in a two-match Test series earlier in 2026. Shubman Gill’s team won the first Test by 165 runs. The second Test ended in a draw so India won the series 1-0. Sri Lanka will hope to bounce back after that Test series loss.
India are now touring New Zealand for a five-match ODI series. India began with a 5-wicket win over New Zealand in Auckland in a low-scoring match. India will try to keep that momentum and win the series before returning home.
What Fans Should Do Next
Fans who planned to visit Delhi should update their travel plans. Always check official BCCI channels for the latest ticket and timing details. Visakhapatnam will now welcome India and Sri Lanka for the series opener.
BCCI shifts venues like this to protect matches from weather and delays. The India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI promises exciting cricket on December 13.
