What prompted BCCI to relocate the India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI from Delhi to Visakhapatnam?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the series-opening ODI fixture between India and Sri Lanka has been relocated from Delhi to Visakhapatnam. The decision came after major speculation and concerns related to the National Capital’s air quality index (AQI), which has been staggeringly high for the past few weeks.

The Sri Lanka tour of India is a white-ball bilateral series happening right after the Men in Blue’s ongoing New Zealand tour, in which three ODIs and three T20 internationals will be played across various places in the country.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was supposed to host the IND-SL ODI series opening fixture, but it will now be played in Visakhapatnam.

Why was the IND-SL 1st ODI match relocated?

According to a statement from the BCCI, the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) appealed to the Board to shift the venue in light of the proposed renovation work at the stadium as well as ‘potential weather disruption’.

“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.

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“The match will now be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 13, 2026,” the BCCI said in a statement.

India currently in action against NZ in ODIs

After winning the T20I series 3-2, India shifted its attention to the one-day format and picked up a 1-0 lead over New Zealand after securing a five-wicket win (DLS) with 56 balls remaining.

A comprehensive performance from the Indian pace bowling line-up quashed the New Zealand batters’ chances of registering a massive total in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland.

India will look to maintain a winning course when they face New Zealand in the second ODI match on Saturday, 7th November 2026, at the Regional Stadium in Wellington.

Sri Lanka’s ODI tour of India: Full Schedule