India's first ODI against Sri Lanka shifted from Delhi? Why and where? Ranji Trophy also affected; here is all you need to know

India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka has been shifted. The Men in Blue’s first One-Day International, originally scheduled for the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 13 December 2026, has been moved to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The reason behind this is the ongoing renovation work at the Delhi venue that will leave it unavailable for international cricket. 

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the venue changes come after a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), which plans to undertake renovation work at the stadium. The report further says that the DDCA approached  BCCI last month, seeking to move the match to another venue. The association is undertaking significant upgrades at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. 

India's first ODI against Sri Lanka shifted from Delhi? Why and where? Ranji Trophy also affected

These include a complete relaying of the pitches and outfield, together with the installation of a modern drainage system designed to allow play to resume within half an hour of rainfall. A senior DDCA official was earlier quoted as saying the association aims to provide high-quality infrastructure so that players can perform at their best for the fans who support them. The drainage upgrade in particular is intended to minimise weather-related interruptions, a common challenge at older Indian venues.

How long is the renovation expected to last?

Officials have described the work as necessary to bring the ground in line with contemporary international standards and improve both playing conditions and spectator experience. The renovations are expected to take several months, ruling out the stadium for the December ODI as well as certain domestic fixtures, including Ranji Trophy matches. 

What does the revised schedule look like?

The first ODI was initially scheduled for December 13 in Delhi, but has now moved to Ahmedabad. This update is likely to disappoint the fans in the national capital as they were hoping to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on the home ground. They will now have to travel to Gujarat. Ahmedabad was already one of the venues to host one match but will now feature two matches.  

The Arun Jaitley Stadium has a long history of hosting international cricket, and many had looked forward to seeing India take on Sri Lanka in the capital. However, the long-term benefits of the renovations are expected to outweigh the short-term inconvenience. Once completed, the upgraded ground should provide better surfaces and reduced rain delays, potentially making it a stronger venue for future assignments.

The opening game will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 13 December, followed by the second ODI at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 16 December. The teams will then return to Ahmedabad for the third and final ODI on 19 December. This means the world’s largest cricket stadium, which boasts a capacity of around 132,000, will host two of the three matches.

The venue change forms part of Sri Lanka’s broader tour of India later this year. After the ODIs, the sides will contest a three-match T20I series, currently listed for venues including Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune. India will enter the series following their New Zealand tour, while Sri Lanka will look to build momentum after a mixed period of international cricket. 

Ahmedabad has become a regular and reliable host for high-profile matches in recent years. The Narendra Modi Stadium has staged major ICC events and bilateral series, offering excellent facilities, consistent pitches and the ability to accommodate large crowds. Moving the opening ODI there ensures the fixture can proceed without disruption and gives fans in Gujarat an early opportunity to watch the national side in action.

As December approaches, attention will turn to team selections and preparation. India, still among the strongest limited-overs sides in the world, will be favourites against Sri Lanka, though the visitors have shown they can be competitive on their day. The shift in venue is unlikely to alter the competitive balance, but it does change the early travel plans for both squads and for supporters planning to attend the matches.

Delhi’s Ranji Trophy matches affected? 

According to a report in Sportstar, the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season was reportedly scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which also included matches against Gujarat and Maharashtra. The report states that the matches could be forced to be shifted to alternative venues like Palam or Jamia Millia. 

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