Delhi Unlikely to Host India-Sri Lanka ODI as Stadium Outfield Undergoes Major Overhaul

Delhi Set to Lose India-Sri Lanka ODI as Arun Jaitley Stadium Undergoes Major Renovation

Virat Kohli may have to wait longer for another opportunity to play before his home crowd, with Delhi unlikely to host India’s opening ODI against Sri Lanka scheduled for December 13. The extensive renovation of the Arun Jaitley Stadium’s outfield has put the venue’s readiness for the international fixture in serious doubt.

Delhi was originally included in India’s home schedule when the fixtures were announced in March. However, the ongoing redevelopment work has raised questions about whether the stadium can be made match-ready before the scheduled date.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is undertaking a major upgrade by replacing the existing outfield with a sand-based surface. The new system is designed to improve drainage, prevent waterlogging and help the playing area recover faster following rainfall.

According to a source familiar with the project, the renovation is expected to take around four months. The work could keep the stadium unavailable for cricket until the 2027 Indian Premier League season. Similar sand-based outfields are already being used at cricket venues in Mullanpur and Lucknow.

The upgraded surface is also expected to minimise interruptions during rain. Better drainage would reduce the formation of puddles and limit the need to cover large sections of the ground.

For Kohli, a change in venue would mean losing the chance to play an international match in his hometown. The star batter last featured in an ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during the 2023 ODI World Cup. On October 11 that year, India defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets at the venue.

DOMESTIC CRICKET ALSO AFFECTED
The redevelopment has already disrupted Delhi’s domestic cricket schedule. The DDCA has moved the team’s Ranji Trophy home matches to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam while construction continues at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Delhi recently played a drawn encounter against Gujarat in the second round of the competition. The team is scheduled to face Services at Palam from Monday, while Maharashtra are also expected to visit the venue during the tournament’s second phase.

If Delhi loses the Sri Lanka ODI, the international fixture will become another sporting event affected by the ongoing redevelopment.

BCCI HAD PREVIOUSLY DENIED REPORTS OF A VENUE CHANGE
The possibility of shifting the December 13 match had earlier been dismissed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Last month, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rejected reports that the fixture could be moved from Delhi to Ahmedabad because of the construction work.

However, the scale and timeline of the outfield renovation have once again raised doubts about the national capital retaining hosting rights.

India Today Digital contacted the DDCA for its response, but the association had not issued a comment at the time of publication.