According to a PTI report, Team India may play three additional T20 matches against Sri Lanka later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are reportedly discussing the possibility of adding three T20I matches to India’s scheduled tour of the island nation.
India is already set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in the second half of August 2026. The series will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, with matches expected to be played in Galle and Colombo. If approved, the tour is expected to see more white-ball cricket.
BCCI is considering adding three T20 matches in Sri Lanka tour
According to a senior BCCI official, the board is exploring the possibility of adding three T20 matches to India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The official said there is enough space in the schedule to accommodate additional matches along with the already scheduled two-Test series.
“A BCCI official said the possibility of playing three T20 matches is being explored as there is a 15-day window available as per the schedule.”
The proposed T20I series was initially discussed as a way to raise funds for cyclone relief efforts. BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have identified a window for the tour.
BCCI is not considering a five-year ban on foreign T20 leagues
BCCI official clarified the board’s position on retired Indian cricketers playing in foreign T20 leagues. The official said the BCCI is not considering a five-year cooling-off period for former players who want to participate in franchise leagues around the world.
According to the official, the board has constituted a three-member committee to study the issue and submit its recommendations on the matter.
The BCCI has discussed foreign league participation rules for retired players on several occasions in recent years. During the recent Apex Council meeting, officials also reportedly discussed possible restrictions on players returning to domestic cricket after participating in foreign leagues.
BCCI has formed a three-member committee to review its retirement policy. The matter was discussed during last week’s Apex Council meeting, where officials reportedly considered a five-year waiting period for retired players who join overseas leagues and later seek a comeback to Indian cricket.
India is ready for the important tour of Sri Lanka under the leadership of Shubman Gill
India’s next overseas tour in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle will be a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August 2026. According to Cricbuzz, both the boards have set August 15-27, 2026 as the window for the series.
The Games are expected to be played in Galle and Colombo, although the venues have not yet been officially confirmed. Notably, the Test series remains the only fixed part of the schedule at present.
To help the players prepare for Sri Lankan conditions, the BCCI has arranged for an India ‘A’ tour before the main series. Dhruv Jurel will lead the team in two unofficial four-day matches against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Galle from June 25 to July 5, 2026.
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