The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka from New Delhi to Visakhapatnam, making a significant change to the upcoming bilateral series. The match will take place on December 13, 2026, as originally scheduled, but the Arun Jaitley Stadium will no longer host the fixture.

The decision follows a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), which raised concerns over the stadium's readiness and the possibility of weather-related disruption in the capital during December. The BCCI subsequently confirmed Visakhapatnam as the replacement venue.

The change affects only the location of the first ODI. The remaining matches in the three-match ODI series and the subsequent T20I fixtures will continue according to the revised schedule.

Why Has the BCCI Moved the India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI?

The DDCA reportedly requested the venue change because renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium could affect preparations for the international match. Potential weather disruption in Delhi was another concern.

December can bring challenging conditions for outdoor sporting events in the capital. The BCCI's decision to move the fixture to Visakhapatnam is intended to avoid complications and ensure the opening match goes ahead as planned.

The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium has previously hosted international matches and will now stage the first encounter of the India-Sri Lanka ODI series.

India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2026: Revised Schedule

The three-match ODI series will begin in Visakhapatnam before moving to Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

All three matches are scheduled to begin at 2 PM IST. The BCCI has retained the original dates despite changing the opening match's venue.

India vs Sri Lanka T20I Series: Full Schedule

The ODI fixtures will be followed by a three-match T20I series, with the opening encounter scheduled for December 22.

The T20I matches will be played in the evening, with all three scheduled to start at 7 PM IST.

What the Venue Change Means for Fans

The relocation means Delhi will miss out on hosting the opening match of the India-Sri Lanka series. Supporters who had planned to attend the December 13 fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will now have to make alternative arrangements to watch the match in Visakhapatnam.

For the teams, however, the change does not alter the series timeline. India and Sri Lanka will still begin their ODI campaign on December 13, followed by three T20Is later in the month.

The BCCI's revised schedule keeps the six-match series intact while shifting its opening venue to Visakhapatnam.