The BCCI has shifted the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka from Delhi to Visakhapatnam, with the December 13 series opener now set to be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The board confirmed the change on Thursday after a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association.
The DDCA asked for the match to be relocated, citing severe air pollution, potential weather disruption and renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The outfield at the Feroz Shah Kotla is being relaid, leaving the ground without a match-ready surface. The association had requested the BCCI to move the game, and the board adjusted the itinerary for the opener once it agreed.
In a release, the BCCI said:
“The venue change has been made following a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), in view of the potential weather disruption and the proposed renovation work at the stadium. The match will now be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 13, 2026.”
The opener keeps its slot, starting at 2:00 PM local time on Sunday, December 13, 2026. Only the venue has changed. The rest of the tour keeps its original venues and timings, and no further venue alterations have been indicated. The decision gives organisers a clearer runway for the rest of the tour.
Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA stadium has hosted international cricket before and gives the series a different setting from the Delhi ground. Moving the game avoids any last-minute complications linked to weather or renovation work in the capital. Delhi loses a home match, while Visakhapatnam gains an international fixture.
Delhi has a history of disrupted winter fixtures involving visiting teams, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh among those affected by toxic air quality levels. Air pollution in the capital is usually on the higher side at this time of year.
Sri Lanka will tour India for three ODIs and as many T20Is starting December 13. The ODI leg runs across three different cities before the tour moves to T20s. The second ODI is in Bengaluru on December 16, and the third in Ahmedabad on December 19. The T20Is follow in Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune on December 22, 24 and 27, all under lights.
Both teams will have the same preparation window, with the change affecting only the city and stadium. Fans who planned to attend in Delhi will now look at travel options for Visakhapatnam.
The change was announced well in advance of the series, giving both teams time to plan travel and training around the new venue. Sri Lanka will still face a full three-match ODI series and three T20Is across India in December 2026. The full schedule gives a clear picture of how the series unfolds after the opener.
The three-match ODI series opens in Visakhapatnam on December 13, with the T20 leg starting in Rajkot on December 22.