BCCI, SLC postpone Sri Lanka- India ODI series to July 18

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The ODI series between India and Sri Lanka which was scheduled to take off from July 13 will now begin on July 18 in Colombo, the BCCI has said in its media release. The second and the third ODI of the series will be played 20 and 23 this month.

“We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series. Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket," Secretary Jay Shah said.

The postponement of the series came in the backdrop of a number of Covid-19 cases in the Sri Lanka camp after their arrival in the country from England. Sri Lanka Cricket thanked the BCCI for cooperating in the hours of crisis and agreeing to shift the dates of the series.

“We are grateful to the BCCI for understanding the situation and agreeing to cooperate with us at this moment of time, as it has done on numerous occasions, during our long-standing relationship," said SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva.

As per reports from local reporters, Sri Lankan squad members have been shifted out of the Taj hotel, where the Indian team is also staying put, to Cinnamon where they will undergo a second round of Covid-19 testing. 

As per Rex Clementine, Cricket writer at The Island, if more cases emerge from the hosts camp, Sri Lanka cricket will select players from the pool of 24 players being ready in Dambulla.

Covid-19 crisis in Sri Lanka camp began with the batting coach Grant Flower testing positive for the novel coronavirus and it was followed by the video analyst GT Niroshan also contracting the virus.

India will remain in Taj where they have been since their arrival in the island nation for a tour comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. 

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