The opening One-Day International fixture between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for December 13, is facing a likely relocation away from Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has formally reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), requesting the board to stage the encounter at an alternate venue instead. Expressing an inability to host the fixture on the assigned date, the association cited a steep surge in local air pollution levels and ongoing renovation activities across the stadium premises as primary constraints.
Severe Pollution and Ongoing Overhaul Create Logistics Hurdle
In a formal communication addressed to the BCCI, the DDCA highlighted key operational challenges making international hosting unviable for mid-December. Air quality across Delhi tends to deteriorate significantly during this period, creating unsafe conditions for high-intensity outdoor athletic competition over an entire day. Alongside severe atmospheric concerns, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is currently undergoing an extensive structural refurbishment. With renovation crews still actively deployed on-site, completing all preparations to satisfy international match standards before December 13 presents an insurmountable logistical barrier.
Earlier Confirmation Overturned by Unfinished Outfield Work
The status of the first ODI has seen conflicting signals in recent weeks. Last month, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stepped in to dismiss emerging speculation that the match might head to Ahmedabad, maintaining that Delhi would retain hosting duties. However, persistent doubts surrounding the timely completion of the outfield overhaul have reignited the venue question. With maintenance deadlines hanging in the balance, the ultimate call now rests with the cricket board, which must determine whether to grant an extension or designate a replacement host city in the coming days.
Domestic Ranji Trophy Fixtures Moved to Palam Air Force Ground
The disruption caused by the stadium overhaul has already rippled into the ongoing domestic season. Unable to utilise the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the DDCA had to move its home Ranji Trophy encounters to the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam. Delhi completed their second-round domestic fixture against Gujarat at the Palam facility, which finished in a draw. The team subsequently commenced their Monday match against Services on the very same turf. Looking ahead to the second phase of the championship, Maharashtra's visiting squad is also slated to contest their scheduled fixture against Delhi at the Palam venue.
