BCCI Shifts India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to Visakhapatnam: Revised Schedule Out

India’s home date with Sri Lanka just got a fresh opening act. The BCCI has moved the first ODI from Delhi to Visakhapatnam, citing potential weather disruption and proposed renovation work at the stadium. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, every match in this six-game series suddenly feels bigger.

BCCI Moves the Series Opener to Visakhapatnam

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed a change to the fixture list for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. The first ODI, originally scheduled for Delhi, will now be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

The announcement came through an official press release on November 5. According to the board, potential weather disruption and proposed renovation work at the Delhi stadium led to the decision.

The series will begin on December 13 and run through December 27. It features three ODIs followed by three T20Is across six cities: Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune.

Revised India vs Sri Lanka Fixtures

Only the venue of the opening match has changed. All other dates and timings remain in place. Here is the updated schedule:

How the Series Is Structured

The ODIs come first, with all three starting at 2:00 PM. Once the 50-over leg is done, the action shifts to the shortest format, with the T20Is starting at 7:00 PM.

That split gives both sides a clear two-phase contest across roughly two weeks.

Why This Series Matters Before the 2027 World Cup

This is an important window for both teams. The three ODIs offer a proper stage to test squads against top-class batters and bowlers before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Bowlers are expected to play vital roles there, so every wicket-taking performance in these matches will be watched closely.

A Rematch After the Test Series

The two sides are no strangers this year. The Shubman Gill-led India toured Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series and returned with a 1-0 scoreline.

India won the first Test by 165 runs. Sri Lanka bounced back in the second, which ended in a draw. Expect the hosts to carry that momentum, and the visitors to bring some fight of their own.

India Eye Momentum in New Zealand First

Before the Sri Lanka series, India have unfinished business abroad. Gill’s side is currently in New Zealand for a five-match ODI series.

They opened with a five-wicket win over the home side in a low-scoring contest in Auckland. It was a controlled performance in tricky conditions.

Beating New Zealand in New Zealand is never easy. Clinching the series would keep confidence and morale high heading into the home season.

Squad Updates to Watch

There is also squad news. Mohammed Siraj has officially joined India’s ODI squad after missing the series opener, adding fresh bowling depth to the group.

What Fans Should Know

For supporters planning to attend, the biggest takeaway is the new venue for the first match. Visakhapatnam replaces Delhi, and tickets or travel plans tied to the old venue will need updating.

The remaining five matches stay in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune.

The shift may be a small scheduling tweak on paper, but it sets the stage for a high-stakes December. With the World Cup cycle gathering pace, this India vs Sri Lanka series is about far more than the scoreline.