India’s next international assignment after the current stretch of fixtures is set to include a Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for the latter half of August. While the precise match dates are still to be locked in, Sri Lanka Cricket has earmarked a two-week window for the two Tests, with the series falling within the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
August window for the Sri Lanka Tests
Even though the final calendar is not confirmed, cricket boards have indicated the Tests are likely to be played between August 15 and August 27. The scheduling information has been communicated to the relevant stakeholders for the tour, including the Indian team management.
- The two-match Test series is planned for the second half of August.
- An identified window has been shared, with the Tests expected to fall between August 15 and August 27.
- The series is part of the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
T20I uncertainty and the LPL finish
Alongside the Tests, there has been no definitive confirmation yet regarding three Twenty20 Internationals that were originally expected to be added to the tour. Those T20 matches remain in limbo while the Test schedule is still being shaped.
The timing is also influenced by Sri Lanka’s domestic calendar. The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is due to conclude on August 9, after which there will be a clearer pathway for the international fixtures.
Board changes in Sri Lanka and Devajit Saikia’s mission
While the cricket schedule is being discussed, the administrative backdrop in Sri Lanka has also shifted. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was recently dissolved by the government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and an interim structure has since been put in place—known as the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee.
In the midst of these developments, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has travelled to Sri Lanka as part of an ICC delegation to review the situation and assess how matters are progressing. It is possible that discussions during his visit could extend to the proposed tour’s broader components, including the three T20Is—but agreeing on a window for them may be difficult.
- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was dissolved by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- An interim entity—the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee—has been appointed.
- BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is in Sri Lanka as part of an ICC delegation to assess the situation.
- There is a chance Saikia could coordinate with the Transformation Committee during his visit.
September congestion: Bangladesh, West Indies, Asian Games, and Afghanistan T20Is
One of the biggest scheduling concerns involves September, which is already shaping up to be packed for India. A six-match white-ball tour of Bangladesh has been planned for September, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. However, Saikia declined to offer clarity on whether the Bangladesh series will actually proceed, indicating in recent media interaction that attention should stay on the immediate set of fixtures.
The planned Bangladesh tour would be a carry-forward of last year’s postponed engagement between the two sides, which was deferred due to tensions. With diplomatic relations appearing to ease, whether that itinerary ultimately goes ahead remains uncertain.
Even if the Bangladesh series does take place, it could complicate the planning of subsequent assignments. Following that, India are expected to host the West Indies in a home series, which could potentially overlap with the Nagoya Asian Games period. The cricket at the Asian Games is set to run between September 25 and October 3, with the broader event dates listed as September 9 to October 4.
Adding another layer to the calendar, India are also scheduled to play three Twenty20 Internationals against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates in September itself.
- India’s next international commitments begin on June 6 with a Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.
- This is followed by a three-match ODI series.
- The team then tours Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe before travelling to Sri Lanka.
- A six-game Bangladesh white-ball tour is planned for September: 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
- Saikia refused to confirm whether the Bangladesh series will go ahead, stressing focus on near-term matches.
- The Bangladesh tour is linked to last year’s postponed series due to India-Bangladesh tensions.
- If scheduled, the Bangladesh itinerary may create overlaps with a home series against the West Indies.
- Cricket at the Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled for September 25 to October 3, within September 9 to October 4.
- India also have three T20Is versus Afghanistan planned in the UAE during September.
