India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI To Move Out Of Delhi! Reason Revealed

India-Sri Lanka 1st ODI to be moved out of Delhi [Source: AFP]Ahead of Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour to India in December, a major change in schedule is expected as the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is unable to host an international fixture due to infrastructural issues. Sri Lanka will tour India in the month of December for a 3-game ODI and T20I series. The ODI leg is especially crucial as both the teams have begun their preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi unavailable for IND-SL ODINotably, the 3-game ODI series between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to kick start on December 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. However, the DDCA has told the BCCI that the venue will not be available on December 13.According to Sportstar, the Arun Jaitley Stadium will go under renovation soon. The state board has planned multiple revamps, including pitch and outfield renovation, installation of a new modern drainage system and upgrading the overall infrastructure of the stadium.So, the India-Sri Lanka ODI cannot be played at the originally scheduled Delhi venue. Apart from that, the Arun Jaitley Stadium will also be unable to host Ranji Trophy fixtures against Gujarat, Services and Maharashtra.Women’s and junior age group matches will also be affected. But the DDCA have identified Palam and Jamia Millia as alternate venues to ensure at least domestic matches are held uninterrupted.Also Read - Virat Kohli's Childhood Coach Rajkumar Sharma Gets Special PostFoggy weather is also a roadblock for BCCI Now, the BCCI is tasked with finding an alternate venue to host the India-Sri Lanka 1st ODI on December 13. However, that search won’t be simple. In December, dense fog and smog engulf the northern region of India.Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh experience extreme cold conditions with reduced visibility. Hence, under such circumstances, hosting a cricket match in either Mullanpur, Dharamsala or Lucknow could lead to disruption.A recent example came in December 2025, when the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of excessive fog and poor visibility. Hence, options are limited for the BCCI to find an alternative venue. Moreover, time is running out as a schedule change has to be conveyed to the state board as early as possible. India’s ODI record at Arun Jaitley StadiumHaving said that, losing the Arun Jaitley Stadium is a big blow to Team India as their ODI record at this venue was impressive. Out of the 22 ODIs played in Delhi, the men in blue have won 14 while losing 7, as one game produced no result.The pitch offered a balanced surface suitable for ODI cricket, and it helped India with a home-condition advantage. However, for the Sri Lanka series, the team will lose this advantage. Regardless, an official announcement from the BCCI on the schedule change is expected soon. The tour will begin on December 13 with the ODI series and end with the T20I series on December 27. Also Read - Korogi Pitch Report, Weather Report For Pakistan vs Hong Kong Asian Games 2026, Quarter Final 1