Sri Lanka vs India - (Source: AFP)
In a heartwarming move, India have agreed to play extra T20Is when they tour Sri Lanka later this year to raise funds for the Island Nation, which will be directed to help the victims of the recent cyclone Ditwah.
Notably, India will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August, which is a part of their World Test Championship schedule. However, the BCCI has decided to extend India’s stay to play extra T20Is.
At present, the date and venue for the proposed T20Is are not out, but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chairman Shammi Silva confirmed BCCI’s special gesture and highlighted the growing friendship between the two nations.
There is no doubt that Indian talents garner viewership, sponsorship wherever they go, and the Men in Blue’s presence in Sri Lanka will help their recent financial woes post the deadly cyclone.
India also agreed for a T20I tour later in 2026
Before agreeing to extend the August tour, India had also agreed to tour again in December to raise funds for Sri Lanka. However, the plan couldn’t materialise, and eventually, India and Sri Lanka agreed to a T20I series in the August window.
“There was willingness from India to come down at the end of December to play two T20Is to raise funds, but there was simply no time to organise it, especially with no broadcaster available,” Silva said.
Cyclone Ditwah disrupted Sri Lankan lives
Cyclone Ditwah (late Nov 2025) was a devastating storm causing widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, primarily impacting Sri Lanka with over 120 deaths, severe economic disruption (>$4B), and ecological damage, while also bringing heavy rains and impacts to India's southern coasts, highlighting climate risks and vulnerabilities in unprepared regions.
Sri Lanka cricket dedicated the Pakistan series to Cyclone Ditwah
Interestingly, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has dedicated the upcoming home T20I series against Pakistan to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative, aiming to contribute to the nation's recovery efforts following the widespread damage caused by the recent Ditwah Cyclone.
The decision was approved by the SLC Executive Committee led by president Shammi Silva as the three-match T20I series will be played from January 7.
SLC will also promote the #VisitSriLanka campaign during the series. The initiative aims to highlight Sri Lanka as a global tourist destination and help revive tourism, one of the sectors that suffered the most from the recent calamity.
