Indian cricket team's tour of Sri Lanka, which was originally scheduled to take place in July, has now been called off.
India's tour of Sri Lanka, which was originally scheduled to take place in June 2020, has now been called-off due to coronavirus pandemic. The tour included three T20Is and three ODIs.
"It is not possible to go ahead with the tour in June-July and we have conveyed it to the Sri Lankan board (SLC). However, we remain committed to the series (at a later date)," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told PTI.
The cancellation was expected as Indian players are yet to resume training with cases continuing to rise rapidly in the country, which has recorded more than 8,000 COVID-19 deaths and close to three lakh cases.
The players will need four to six weeks to regain match fitness after training resumes.
However, both the boards remain committed to the series and having it in August is a possibility.
"The team is out of practice and we are not sure when international travel restrictions will be lifted, so it wasn't possible in June-July," Dhumal added.
The Sri Lanka Cricket released a statement on their official website to confirm the same.
"The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has informed the SLC that it is not possible to schedule a tour of Sri Lanka for June this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently affecting the world. The tour will become the third international cricket tournament to be abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic," the release read.
The statement also added that BCCI "remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket.
Last month, the SLC had expressed the desire to host India and Bangladesh, with India touring in August 2020.
The international cricketing action is at a standstill since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Indian team was last seen in action during the second Test against New Zealand during their tour to the country. India's home series against South Africa was called mid-way after the first ODI was abandoned due to rain.
The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League also remains suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis. However, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said that the board is exploring all possible options to host the tournament this year.
(With inputs from PTI)
