Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - (Source : @Johns/X.com)
In a significant development, reports indicate that the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have begun talks for a possible white-ball tour in August. According to a report from Newswire, India and Sri Lanka are likely to face off in three ODIs and three T20Is.
Notably, India were scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in August, but the series has now been deferred until September 2026 due to ongoing escalated tensions between the two countries after Bangladesh voiced support for Pakistan during the recent attacks on India.
India-Sri Lanka Series On The Cards
With the August calendar now free for the Men in Blue, the BCCI is seeking a short series. Interestingly, for Sri Lanka, the Lanka Premier League—which usually takes place in the July-August window—has been postponed, leaving their August schedule open as well.
Since both boards have no concrete commitments in August, Newswire reports that talks for a short series are underway, with India potentially traveling to the Island Nation.
The dates for the series have not yet been decided, but it is expected to be in mid-August, as Sri Lanka are set to tour Zimbabwe in late August, with that series starting on August 29.
The last time India and Sri Lanka faced each other was in July 2024, which also marked Gautam Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach. The Men in Blue won the T20I series, while Sri Lanka stunned India in the ODIs.
Delight for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Fans
This development is a delight for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fans, as the two veterans—who are currently active only in fifty-over cricket—will return to the field sooner than expected.
After the postponement of the Bangladesh series, Virat and Rohit's return was delayed until October, when India will tour Australia for a white-ball series. Now, fans will get to see their idols play as early as August.