New Delhi:
With India’s August tour of Bangladesh officially postponed, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a proposal to host a short white-ball series next month. The potential series comprising 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is could mark the return of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket, provided the BCCI finalizes plans with the team management.
🚨 INDIA Vs SRI LANKA FOR WHITE BALL SERIES IN AUGUST 🚨
– A possibility of 3 ODIs and 3 T20I for India Vs Sri Lanka in Mid August. (NewsWire). pic.twitter.com/Xy8GdqBzWL
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 9, 2025
Postponement Opens Up a Window
India was originally scheduled to tour Bangladesh from August 17 to 31, but the series has been deferred to September 2026 due to a combination of scheduling conflicts and administrative issues.
To fill the gap, Sri Lanka has officially sent a request to host India for six limited-overs games in mid-to-late August. The BCCI is currently evaluating the proposal.
BCCI Seeks Input from Gambhir and Agarkar
According to BCCI sources, the board will consult with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar before making a final decision on the Sri Lanka series.
The matter is expected to be discussed with senior players and support staff during India’s ongoing Test series against England. A call will be taken soon based on team availability and broader scheduling considerations.
Kohli & Rohit: ODI Comeback on the Cards
If the tour gets the green light, it is widely expected to feature the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI format. Both players have recently retired from other formats Rohit from Tests and T20Is, and Kohli from Tests and are now focusing solely on 50-over cricket.
Their last international appearances came during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India emerged champions. Kohli played a pivotal role in that campaign, including a memorable century in the final.
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Asia Cup Still Unconfirmed
India is also scheduled to host the Asia Cup 2025 from September 10 to 28, but participation remains subject to government clearance, especially considering the possibility of facing Pakistan. The BCCI is awaiting a nod from relevant authorities before committing to the regional tournament.
Additionally, the BCCI has requested the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to shift its upcoming July 24 meeting out of Dhaka due to political and logistical concerns.
Key Dates and Status
| Event | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| India’s Bangladesh tour | Aug 17–31, 2025 | Postponed to 2026 |
| Proposed Sri Lanka tour | Mid to late August | Awaiting BCCI decision |
| Asia Cup 2025 | Sept 10–28 | Pending govt clearance |
If BCCI gives the green light and the Asia Cup timeline stays intact, the Sri Lanka tour would be the perfect stage for India to return to ODI action. The series would serve as key preparation ahead of a tightly packed white-ball calendar, including the high-stakes Asia Cup.
A Virat-Rohit comeback in August is not far from reality but it hinges on one key approval:
-
BCCI’s internal decision in consultation with coach Gambhir and selectors
Fans will be hoping that this box is ticked soon so the Indian team can head to Sri Lanka with its most experienced names leading the charge.
