The first ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on December 13, is likely to be shifted out of the national capital.
According to a report in Cricbuzz on Monday, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), requesting a change of venue for the series opener between the two Asian teams.
The DDCA has reportedly expressed its inability to host the international fixture, citing multiple concerns, including the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and ongoing renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
However, pollution levels appear to be the bigger concern for the association. According to sources, the DDCA wants to avoid any potential complications arising from the city’s poor air quality.
“More than the renovation work, we want the match to be moved because of AQI in Delhi,” a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
If the request is accepted, the BCCI will have to identify an alternative venue for the opening ODI of the series.
The second ODI between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on December 16, while the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the third match on December 19.
Following the ODI series, the two teams will also face each other in a three-match T20I series. The matches are scheduled to be played in Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune on December 22, 24 and 27, respectively.
