India To Tour Sri Lanka for White-Ball Series in August After Bangladesh Series is Cancelled

Sri Lanka Cricket made an offer to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to host a white-ball series in August. This follows the recent cancellation of India's tour to Bangladesh. Although the Indian board has not officially replied to the offer, it is currently mulling the possibility. If all goes well fans may be able to see Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return and play in the series. Both of them have been missing from the T20 and Test matches and have only been playing the One Day Internationals in recent times.

The invitation from Sri Lanka consists of three T20 internationals and three One Day matches which is the same number of games that were scheduled against Bangladesh this month. Up until now, the BCCI has not taken any commitment and remains to consider the situation. The uncertainty of the Asia Cup is one of the reasons for the postponement in making a decision. The Asia Cup is due to be hosted in September and India's inclusion and preparations around that event will most probably influence if the Sri Lanka series will proceed or not.

A source familiar with the developments informed that although Sri Lanka's application remains under consideration the decision depends on how the Asia Cup preparations materialize. There is no conflict between the scheduled Sri Lanka series and the Asia Cup schedule so both may be arranged. But the Indian board is keen to ensure there is no load on players and officials. They are likely to discuss this with head coach Gautam Gambhir chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the players before taking a final decision.

The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will be in London at the time of the Lord's Test match and that's when important talks with the Indian team members and coaching staff are presumably going to happen. Once that is done the BCCI is going to provide an official reply to the Sri Lankan cricket board. This reflects how the Indian cricket board is weighing player workload team strategy and diplomatic issues all simultaneously.

The Bangladesh series was planned between August 17 and August 31 and comprised six white-ball matches. The series needed to be shifted to next year because of scheduling issues and other international engagements. With that gap now available Sri Lanka has viewed a chance to have India host them and some cricket action for their fans. The Bangladesh tour cancellation has created a window in the Indian calendar that Sri Lanka is looking to fill. This is also an opportunity for Sri Lanka to stage some high-level cricket and for Indian supporters to witness senior cricketers in action once again.

What adds intrigue to this scenario is the Asia Cup scheduled for September. The ultimate call on that game lies with the Indian cricket board who in turn require clearance from the Government of India. India-Pakistan relations have been strained of late and since Pakistan is one of the countries participating in the Asia Cup the go-ahead from the Indian government is important for the game to go ahead. Decision in the next few days is expected on India's position on the Asia Cup.

If the Asia Cup is held as scheduled from September 10 to 28 and the Indian government gives the requisite clearances then India's cricket calendar will become cramped. That makes it all the more necessary for the BCCI to think ahead before finalizing the Sri Lanka tour. The Indian board is making an effort to make sure that all the teams involved are suitably prepared and the fixture of matches will not impact the physical preparedness and mental health of the players.

For Indian supporters the potential comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Sri Lanka series is thrilling. Both have been resting in the shortest and longest forms and have only played ODI cricket in recent times. If the tour is confirmed this could be one of the last few occasions fans will get to witness the two veterans play together in blue jerseys before attention turns entirely towards the younger lot and upcoming tournaments.

Sri Lanka Cricket is expecting a favorable response soon so that they can begin arranging things. For the BCCI, it is a choice to be made keeping in mind the entire calendar and political scenario. From travel arrangements to the fitness of the players everything is being deliberated at length. If the Asia Cup is not conducted or India chooses not to play, then Sri Lanka series could become even more significant as it would provide good match practice and exposure on the international front to the Indian cricket team.

Everyone's eyes are now on the Indian board as everyone awaits two important decisions. Firstly if the team would play in the Asia Cup and secondly if they would go to Sri Lanka in August. These two decisions will decide how India will prepare for future big events such as the World Cup. Players administration and fans all await clarity and answers are expected to come in the next few days.

If all goes as planned August may be one action-packed month with exhilarating white-ball encounters and a new opportunity to witness legends such as Rohit and Kohli take the field again. It is an opening that Sri Lanka Cricket would like to convert into a series to remember and one that fans would love to witness particularly with the uncertainties which still haunt international cricket schedules.