Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team against India in the limited-overs series that will kick off on July 18. The decision came after Kusal Perera was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rules-have-changed-sourav-ganguly-defends-rishabh-pant-after-covid-19-test-398421">'Rules have changed': Sourav Ganguly defends Rishabh Pant after COVID-19 test</a>

"Kusal Perera will not be able to take part in the ODI and the T20I series against India owing to an injury," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement before announcing the squad.

Perera was named the captain of the team in May and since then the Lankans have lost all three series. Shanaka has been named 10th Sri Lankan skipper in just five years.&nbsp;

According to SLC, the wicketkeeper-batsman suffered a right shoulder sprain in training ahead of Sunday's first India one-dayer.&nbsp;

Team India, under Shikhar Dhawan, will miss out on the services of several senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Many newbies have been named to the squad and it will be their chance to showcase their talent.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Squad: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Udara, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando (only T20), Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Shiran Fernando, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Praveen Jayawickrema, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana

Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team against India in the limited-overs series that will kick off on July 18. The decision came after Kusal Perera was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday.

Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team against India in the limited-overs series that will kick off on July 18. The decision came after Kusal Perera was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday. ALSO READ: 'Rules have changed': Sourav Ganguly defends Rishabh Pant after COVID-19 test "Kusal Perera will not be able to take part in the ODI and the T20I series against India owing to an injury," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement before announcing the squad. Perera was named the captain of the team in May and since then the Lankans have lost all three series. Shanaka has been named 10th Sri Lankan skipper in just five years. According to SLC, the wicketkeeper-batsman suffered a right shoulder sprain in training ahead of Sunday's first India one-dayer. Team India, under Shikhar Dhawan, will miss out on the services of several senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Many newbies have been named to the squad and it will be their chance to showcase their talent. Sri Lanka's Squad: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Udara, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando (only T20), Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Shiran Fernando, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Praveen Jayawickrema, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana

Cricket: Dashun Shanaka named Sri Lanka captain ahead of India tour

Team India, under captain Shikhar Dhawan, will be touring Sri Lanka after a gap of four years and it has come at the perfect time for the island's cricket board.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-batting-coach-grant-flower-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-india-series-396813" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of India series</a>

The&nbsp;Sri Lankan board has been marred with many crises like financial, player contracts, and bio-bubble breaches. However, the series against India will help the board financially.&nbsp;

Shami Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has revealed that the cricket board will earn around $12 million for hosting Team India for six matches (three ODIs, and three T20Is). In terms of Indian rupees, the amount converts into a whopping 89.9 crore INR.

"We had initially finalised to host three matches. But after some negotiations with the Indian Cricket Board, we managed to increase the matches to six which will enable us to raise an additional $6 million in revenue. SLC will be able to provide a large income to the country with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s vision of building a strong economy through Sports," Silva told dailynews.lk.

Silva went on to add that the cricket board missed out on several scheduled tours due to COVID-19, however, ensured that no player's salary was affected by it.&nbsp;

"We missed out on several tours as scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we did not reduce the monthly salaries and allowances of our cricketers. None of their facilities were deducted either. In the face of this situation, the cricketers should give out their best display to the country," Silva pointed out.

The 3-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will kick off on July 13.&nbsp;

Team India, under captain Shikhar Dhawan, will be touring Sri Lanka after a gap of four years and it has come at the perfect time for the island's cricket board.

Team India, under captain Shikhar Dhawan, will be touring Sri Lanka after a gap of four years and it has come at the perfect time for the island's cricket board. ALSO READ: Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of India series The Sri Lankan board has been marred with many crises like financial, player contracts, and bio-bubble breaches. However, the series against India will help the board financially. Shami Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has revealed that the cricket board will earn around $12 million for hosting Team India for six matches (three ODIs, and three T20Is). In terms of Indian rupees, the amount converts into a whopping 89.9 crore INR. "We had initially finalised to host three matches. But after some negotiations with the Indian Cricket Board, we managed to increase the matches to six which will enable us to raise an additional $6 million in revenue. SLC will be able to provide a large income to the country with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s vision of building a strong economy through Sports," Silva told dailynews.lk. Silva went on to add that the cricket board missed out on several scheduled tours due to COVID-19, however, ensured that no player's salary was affected by it. "We missed out on several tours as scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we did not reduce the monthly salaries and allowances of our cricketers. None of their facilities were deducted either. In the face of this situation, the cricketers should give out their best display to the country," Silva pointed out. The 3-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will kick off on July 13.

Revealed: This is the whopping amount Sri Lankan cricket board will get from India series

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-over series. Now, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has reacted to his comments and said that the Sri Lankan side is struggling itself.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ranji-trophy-to-return-bcci-announces-fixtures-for-2021-22-domestic-season-395582" hreflang="en">Cricket: Ranji Trophy to return, BCCI announces fixtures for 2021-22 domestic season</a>

In his latest YouTube video, Chopra said, “It is absolutely right that it is not the main team, the likes of Bumrah, Shami, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja are not there. But is it really like a B-grade team?”

“India's probable ODI XI has played 471 ODIs in total, of course, this is not the first team. When Sri Lanka picks the team, it will be interesting to see how many matches in all they have played. When you try to match experience to experience, it will be a very exciting exercise,” he added.

Chopra went on to add that Sri Lanka will have to play Word T20 qualifiers, whereas, Afghanistan don't and there is still a possibility that the Lankan team might not qualify for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

“Sri Lanka will have to look inwards as well. Let’s be honest, Afghanistan don’t have to play the World T20 qualifiers, you have to. This is a reality. The truth is that Sri Lankan cricket is really struggling at the moment, even if you look at the England numbers now,” Chopra said.

“There is a possibility they may not qualify for the T20 World Cup, that they do not come in the main draw at all. You may not be there in the Super 12. That is also a reality and Afghanistan is already there,” he added.

Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, will play limited-over series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will miss the services of several senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they are currently touring in England.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-over series.

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-over series. Now, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has reacted to his comments and said that the Sri Lankan side is struggling itself. ALSO READ: Cricket: Ranji Trophy to return, BCCI announces fixtures for 2021-22 domestic season In his latest YouTube video, Chopra said, “It is absolutely right that it is not the main team, the likes of Bumrah, Shami, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja are not there. But is it really like a B-grade team?” “India's probable ODI XI has played 471 ODIs in total, of course, this is not the first team. When Sri Lanka picks the team, it will be interesting to see how many matches in all they have played. When you try to match experience to experience, it will be a very exciting exercise,” he added. Chopra went on to add that Sri Lanka will have to play Word T20 qualifiers, whereas, Afghanistan don't and there is still a possibility that the Lankan team might not qualify for the T20 World Cup. “Sri Lanka will have to look inwards as well. Let’s be honest, Afghanistan don’t have to play the World T20 qualifiers, you have to. This is a reality. The truth is that Sri Lankan cricket is really struggling at the moment, even if you look at the England numbers now,” Chopra said. “There is a possibility they may not qualify for the T20 World Cup, that they do not come in the main draw at all. You may not be there in the Super 12. That is also a reality and Afghanistan is already there,” he added. Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, will play limited-over series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will miss the services of several senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they are currently touring in England.

'Afghanistan don’t have to play T20 qualifiers, you have to': Aakash Chopra reacts to Arjuna Ranatunga's remarks

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is having a tough time maintaining his place in the team. With the T20 World Cup less than four months away, Kuldeep feels that his performance in the Sri Lanka tour will be crucial for him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-not-winning-icc-events-is-not-completely-virat-kohlis-fault-kamran-akmal-394542" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'India not winning ICC events is not completely Virat Kohli’s fault': Kamran Akmal</a>

“Nothing parallels performance, and if I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back,” Kuldeep told The Telegraph.

“This Sri Lanka tour is very, very important because, first of all, I’m not a part of the Test squad (in England). And secondly, this is one good opportunity to play and perform.

“Thereafter, we’ve got the IPL as well, which gives me another opportunity to be back in the reckoning,” Kuldeep said before the squad’s departure.

“And honestly, I’m not thinking much about a T20 World Cup berth now because it eventually boils down to how well I keep doing. There’s healthy competition in the squad, so I know what my job is,” Kuldeep stated further.

Kuldeep Yadav, who is the only Indian bowler with two hattricks in international cricket, saw a drastic drop in his form. In his previous two ODIs, the spinner went wicketless and 68 and 84 runs.&nbsp;

“When teams easily get 300-plus and that too, in 40 overs or so, you can understand how the conditions were. But I don’t want to blame the wickets or anything else.

“If I had bowled more good-length deliveries, I could’ve had an impact. The stuff I dished out was a little bit on the fuller length and on good batting wickets, playing shots off such deliveries becomes easy. At the same time, these mistakes happen when you don’t play regularly. Your rhythm then gets affected,” he said.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is having a tough time maintaining his place in the team. With the T20 World Cup less than four months away, Kuldeep feels that his performance in the Sri Lanka tour will be crucial for him.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is having a tough time maintaining his place in the team. With the T20 World Cup less than four months away, Kuldeep feels that his performance in the Sri Lanka tour will be crucial for him. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'India not winning ICC events is not completely Virat Kohli’s fault': Kamran Akmal “Nothing parallels performance, and if I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back,” Kuldeep told The Telegraph. “This Sri Lanka tour is very, very important because, first of all, I’m not a part of the Test squad (in England). And secondly, this is one good opportunity to play and perform. “Thereafter, we’ve got the IPL as well, which gives me another opportunity to be back in the reckoning,” Kuldeep said before the squad’s departure. “And honestly, I’m not thinking much about a T20 World Cup berth now because it eventually boils down to how well I keep doing. There’s healthy competition in the squad, so I know what my job is,” Kuldeep stated further. Kuldeep Yadav, who is the only Indian bowler with two hattricks in international cricket, saw a drastic drop in his form. In his previous two ODIs, the spinner went wicketless and 68 and 84 runs. “When teams easily get 300-plus and that too, in 40 overs or so, you can understand how the conditions were. But I don’t want to blame the wickets or anything else. “If I had bowled more good-length deliveries, I could’ve had an impact. The stuff I dished out was a little bit on the fuller length and on good batting wickets, playing shots off such deliveries becomes easy. At the same time, these mistakes happen when you don’t play regularly. Your rhythm then gets affected,” he said.

Cricket- 'If I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Sri Lanka tour

Shikhar Dhawan will lead the second string of the Indian cricket team for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will take on the Lankans for three ODIs and as many T20Is.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-you-cant-win-the-trophy-every-time-kapil-dev-reacts-to-indias-wtc-final-loss-394414" hreflang="en">Cricket: ‘You can't win the trophy every time’: Kapil Dev reacts to India's WTC Final loss</a>

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid will be the head coach of the squad. Several senior players are not present in the squad as they are currently touring England along with skipper Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri.&nbsp;

According to Dravid, many youngsters, who could also be picked up for the upcoming T20 World Cup,&nbsp;can play a crucial role in the series.&nbsp;

“It [The Sri Lanka tour] is crucial for youngsters like Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad. They would be extremely keen to do well and set a marker for the selectors. Whether they get picked for the World Cup or not, that’s a call that the selectors and the Indian team management would take based on their plans and strategies," Dravid told reporters at the media interaction, according to Sportstar.

"That said, it’s not like if you don’t have a good tour of Sri Lanka, you are never going to make it. Conversely, just because you do well against Sri Lanka doesn’t mean you will make it automatically. Certainly, good performances on tours like these against international oppositions make the selectors think about you," he added.

As per Dravid, the primary goal of the Men in Blue is to win the series in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

"So like you said, rightly there are a lot of people in the squad who are pushing for places or looking to cement their places in the sort of T20 World Cup. But the key goal for everyone in the squad and in the team is to try and win the series, we have had discussions around it," Dravid was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

'That is the primary objective. We are going out there to win the series, hopefully, people get the opportunity to put in good performances in the course of us trying to win the series, and knock the doors of the selectors," he signed off.

Shikhar Dhawan will lead the second string of the Indian cricket team for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will take on the Lankans for three ODIs and as many T20Is.

Shikhar Dhawan will lead the second string of the Indian cricket team for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will take on the Lankans for three ODIs and as many T20Is. ALSO READ: Cricket: ‘You can't win the trophy every time’: Kapil Dev reacts to India's WTC Final loss Former India skipper Rahul Dravid will be the head coach of the squad. Several senior players are not present in the squad as they are currently touring England along with skipper Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri. According to Dravid, many youngsters, who could also be picked up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, can play a crucial role in the series. “It [The Sri Lanka tour] is crucial for youngsters like Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad. They would be extremely keen to do well and set a marker for the selectors. Whether they get picked for the World Cup or not, that’s a call that the selectors and the Indian team management would take based on their plans and strategies," Dravid told reporters at the media interaction, according to Sportstar. "That said, it’s not like if you don’t have a good tour of Sri Lanka, you are never going to make it. Conversely, just because you do well against Sri Lanka doesn’t mean you will make it automatically. Certainly, good performances on tours like these against international oppositions make the selectors think about you," he added. As per Dravid, the primary goal of the Men in Blue is to win the series in Sri Lanka. "So like you said, rightly there are a lot of people in the squad who are pushing for places or looking to cement their places in the sort of T20 World Cup. But the key goal for everyone in the squad and in the team is to try and win the series, we have had discussions around it," Dravid was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 'That is the primary objective. We are going out there to win the series, hopefully, people get the opportunity to put in good performances in the course of us trying to win the series, and knock the doors of the selectors," he signed off.

Cricket: 'The Sri Lanka tour is crucial for youngsters', says Rahul Dravid

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England. <o:p></o:p>

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has cleared the air surrounding the postponed IPL 2021 as he said that there is no window for IPL 2021 in between the WTC final and England series as the Indian team will play Sri Lanka for three ODI and five T20Is. <o:p></o:p>

“No (on playing IPL 2021 in between WTC final and England series). India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is. There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine. It can’t happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL,” Ganguly told Sportstar.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-expresses-his-gratitude-towards-frontline-workers-amidst-covid-19-crisis-383915" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis</a>

The BCCI drew widespread criticism for continuing with the IPL 2021 at a time when India is battling with the devastating second wave of COVID-19. While many had called for an early suspension of the T20 tournament, the BCCI eventually postponed it after the virus hit the players inside the bubble. Should it have been called off earlier? <o:p></o:p>

“You can say that now in hindsight that the IPL should have been called off earlier. Mumbai and Chennai (legs) did not have cases. Only when the IPL reached Delhi and Ahmedabad did the cases rise. People will say a lot of things in any case. The English Premier League had so many people affected. But they could reschedule the matches. But you can’t do that with IPL. You stop it for seven days and it is done. Players go back home and then the process of quarantine starts from scratch,” Ganguly told the same publication.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Meanwhile, India are expected to depart for England in the first week of June for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand before taking on England in a five-match Test series. But it would be interesting to see whether they will name a fresh squad for the tour of Sri Lank.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England.

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England. The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has cleared the air surrounding the postponed IPL 2021 as he said that there is no window for IPL 2021 in between the WTC final and England series as the Indian team will play Sri Lanka for three ODI and five T20Is. “No (on playing IPL 2021 in between WTC final and England series). India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is. There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine. It can’t happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL,” Ganguly told Sportstar. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis The BCCI drew widespread criticism for continuing with the IPL 2021 at a time when India is battling with the devastating second wave of COVID-19. While many had called for an early suspension of the T20 tournament, the BCCI eventually postponed it after the virus hit the players inside the bubble. Should it have been called off earlier? “You can say that now in hindsight that the IPL should have been called off earlier. Mumbai and Chennai (legs) did not have cases. Only when the IPL reached Delhi and Ahmedabad did the cases rise. People will say a lot of things in any case. The English Premier League had so many people affected. But they could reschedule the matches. But you can’t do that with IPL. You stop it for seven days and it is done. Players go back home and then the process of quarantine starts from scratch,” Ganguly told the same publication. ALSO READ: From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 Meanwhile, India are expected to depart for England in the first week of June for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand before taking on England in a five-match Test series. But it would be interesting to see whether they will name a fresh squad for the tour of Sri Lank.

Can IPL 2021 be played in between WTC final and England series? Sourav Ganguly responds

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June.&nbsp;

The BCCI informed the SLC that the tour won’t be feasible due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI remains committed to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and fellow members but will seek advice from the Government of India and health administrations before giving green signal to anything related to the resumption of cricket.&nbsp;

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"The India National Team Tour of Sri Lanka, which was scheduled to take place during the month of June, 2020 will not go ahead, as scheduled," SLC said in a media release on Thursday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that due to the prevailing circumstances revolving around Covid - 19 pandemic, the cricket series, which included 03 ODIs and 03 T20i matches will not be feasible."

According to SLC release, the BCCI "remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-working-on-possible-options-for-ipl-2020-sourav-ganguly-in-letter-to-state-associations-305021" hreflang="en">BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations</a>

Earlier, there were reports that the BCCI has agreed to tour Sri Lanka in the month of August and the SLC would be hopeful of the same.

On Wednesday, after ICC Board meeting, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote a letter to all state associations in which the former Indian skipper mentioned that the Indian board is working with health experts to work out SOPs for the resumption of cricket in India. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June.

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June. The BCCI informed the SLC that the tour won’t be feasible due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI remains committed to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and fellow members but will seek advice from the Government of India and health administrations before giving green signal to anything related to the resumption of cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: Smaller ball, shorter pitch recommended to transform women's game "The India National Team Tour of Sri Lanka, which was scheduled to take place during the month of June, 2020 will not go ahead, as scheduled," SLC said in a media release on Thursday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that due to the prevailing circumstances revolving around Covid - 19 pandemic, the cricket series, which included 03 ODIs and 03 T20i matches will not be feasible." According to SLC release, the BCCI "remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket". ALSO READ: BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations Earlier, there were reports that the BCCI has agreed to tour Sri Lanka in the month of August and the SLC would be hopeful of the same. On Wednesday, after ICC Board meeting, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote a letter to all state associations in which the former Indian skipper mentioned that the Indian board is working with health experts to work out SOPs for the resumption of cricket in India.

India's tour of Sri Lanka called off due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed for India’s tour of Sri Lanka in the month of August, subject to government clearance. While the schedule and how many matches both India and Sri Lanka will play is still unclear, according to a report, the BCCI has given the nod to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for a bilateral series as international cricket gears up for resumption.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket will now write to their Sports Ministry while seeking permission to host bilateral cricket. And if the SLC gets the clearance from the government, the board is confident they can negotiate a deal with the BCCI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-picks-his-india-pakistan-t20i-xi-304811" hreflang="en">Babar Azam picks his India-Pakistan T20I XI</a>

With most restrictions during lockdown now relaxed and tourism expected to return in August, SLC officials are confident that the government will give them the green signal for the series.

Originally, India were scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka in June but the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions had increased fears that the series could be cancelled.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-just-want-respect-equality-west-indies-star-dwayne-bravo-speaks-up-against-racism-304790" hreflang="en">We just want respect, equality: West Indies star Dwayne Bravo speaks up against racism</a>

An official told The Island that this is not what SLC wanted. "Ideally, we would want to fill up 30 to 40 per cent of the venues. Spectators can maintain one-meter distance and watch games. However, the final call will be made by health officials. We will follow all their instructions," he said.

Meanwhile, as per reports, Sri Lanka has an agreement with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about shifting the Asia Cup 2020 to the island as India cannot travel to Pakistan for the tournament.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed for India’s tour of Sri Lanka in the month of August, subject to government clearance. While the schedule and how many matches both India and Sri Lanka will play is still unclear, according to a report, the BCCI has given the nod to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for a bilateral series as international cricket gears up for resumption.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed for India’s tour of Sri Lanka in the month of August, subject to government clearance. While the schedule and how many matches both India and Sri Lanka will play is still unclear, according to a report, the BCCI has given the nod to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for a bilateral series as international cricket gears up for resumption. Sri Lanka Cricket will now write to their Sports Ministry while seeking permission to host bilateral cricket. And if the SLC gets the clearance from the government, the board is confident they can negotiate a deal with the BCCI. ALSO READ: Babar Azam picks his India-Pakistan T20I XI With most restrictions during lockdown now relaxed and tourism expected to return in August, SLC officials are confident that the government will give them the green signal for the series. Originally, India were scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka in June but the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions had increased fears that the series could be cancelled. ALSO READ: We just want respect, equality: West Indies star Dwayne Bravo speaks up against racism An official told The Island that this is not what SLC wanted. "Ideally, we would want to fill up 30 to 40 per cent of the venues. Spectators can maintain one-meter distance and watch games. However, the final call will be made by health officials. We will follow all their instructions," he said. Meanwhile, as per reports, Sri Lanka has an agreement with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about shifting the Asia Cup 2020 to the island as India cannot travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

BCCI agrees to India's tour of Sri Lanka in August - Report

Sri Lanka declared a nationwide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">state of emergency</a> for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">communal violence</a>, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community.

As a result of growing tension between the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">two communities</a> in Sri Lanka over the past year, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846">first match</a> of&nbsp;&quot;Nidahas Trophy&quot; which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846"> India and Sri Lanka</a> at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Amid political chaos, the officials of Sri Lankan government told&nbsp;a sports-related&nbsp;media venture that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846">the match</a> will happen at its scheduled time irrespective of the state of emergency in other Sri Lankan parts.

BCCI has tweeted that, &quot;There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash"><s>#</s>INDvSL</a>&quot;

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There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/4rTXZ8C8Mb">pic.twitter.com/4rTXZ8C8Mb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970954015717683200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BCCI&#39;s acting president C K Khanna told PTI: &quot;The Indian cricket board is in constant touch with the Sri Lankan government authorities. The security is foolproof and we have been assured that there is no threat to the tournament. So the Indian team, as of now, will be playing the tournament.&quot;

The first match of "Nidahas Trophy" which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo

Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community. As a result of growing tension between the two communities in Sri Lanka over the past year, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites. The first match of "Nidahas Trophy" which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Amid political chaos, the officials of Sri Lankan government told a sports-related media venture that the match will happen at its scheduled time irrespective of the state of emergency in other Sri Lankan parts. BCCI has tweeted that, "There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI #INDvSL" There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/4rTXZ8C8Mb — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × BCCI's acting president C K Khanna told PTI: "The Indian cricket board is in constant touch with the Sri Lankan government authorities. The security is foolproof and we have been assured that there is no threat to the tournament. So the Indian team, as of now, will be playing the tournament."

Emergency won't affect India vs Sri Lanka opening match: BCCI

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