Galle and Colombo have been confirmed as the venues for the upcoming 2-match Test series between Sri Lanka and India. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have not confirmed the official dates, but reports revealed the Test matches would kick off on August 15 and 23, with a two-week window allocated.
Test venues confirmed
India last played a Test match in November against South Africa and will resume their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Their one-off Test against Afghanistan at home wasn’t part of the WTC. India needs to win 8 matches to qualify for the WTC final. Therefore, the Sri Lanka tour is essential for Shubman Gill’s team.
For the unaware, India hasn’t toured Sri Lanka for a Test series since 2017. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav are the only present cricketers with experience of playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the tour poses a challenge to the under-transition Indian team.
No word on T20Is
SLC had requested the BCCI to play 3 additional matches as part of the tour to support Cyclone Ditwah relief. However, the dates for the proposed T20Is haven’t been confirmed yet. The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 season will end on August 9. Therefore, it’s impossible to host 3 matches before the Test series kicks off on August 15.
Therefore, the T20Is can only be played after the Test series ends. Mind you, India is to play against Bangladesh away from home and Afghanistan at home in September. Therefore, fitting them in won’t be easy, if at all possible.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule (tentative)
| Match No. | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15 to 19 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle |
| 2nd Test | August 23 to 27 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Cricket Ground, Colombo |
Cricket
Venues for India vs Sri Lanka Tests confirmed, BCCI & SLC yet to decide on T20Is
