Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have almost locked in the white-ball series next month. The SLC is reportedly in talks with the BCCI to host a short white-ball series in early August, as both boards have a rare window open in their schedules.

This opportunity came up after the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which was supposed to be held in August, got postponed. At the same time, India and Bangladesh agreed to postpone their six-match white-ball series that was also planned to be held in August.

Sri Lanka set to host India in crucial prep ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

With this unexpected break, SLC approached BCCI with a proposal for a bilateral series. A senior Sri Lanka Cricket official revealed that they’ve received positive signs from the Indian cricket board, and final talks will take place this week during the ICC meetings in Singapore.

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The official also revealed that the final decision will be taken within the next two or three days. If the BCCI approves, the proposed series will likely be played in Colombo and Kandy. The original plan is to play three ODIs and three T20Is, but with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 coming up earlier next year, the focus is expected to shift more towards T20I games.

We’ve received positive feedback from BCCI: SLC

A senior SLC official was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport, “We’ve received positive feedback. Further discussions will happen in Singapore during the ICC meeting. We expect a final decision within two or three days.”

Meanwhile, if the series gets the green signal, it would be a double win for Sri Lanka. The proposed matches are not only expected to help the Sri Lanka cricket team prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but also offer a much-needed financial boost for the SLC.

The revenue from broadcast rights alone could bring in several million dollars, helping the Sri Lankan cricket board recover from recent financial strain. Speaking about the on-field benefit, the Islanders are still recovering from a 2-1 T20I series loss to Bangladesh—their first-ever defeat to the Tigers in this format, and that too at home.

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Sri Lanka looks to bounce back from the Bangladesh loss with the India series

Captain Charith Asalanka already urged the SLC to arrange more tough matches ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and facing India would offer the ideal preparation for them. Playing against a team like India would allow Sri Lanka to test different combinations, give chances to fringe players, and gain valuable match experience in pressure situations.

Notably, the two sides last played a bilateral series in 2023, where India won the T20Is while Sri Lanka bounced back in the ODIs. The Indian cricket team is currently playing in a five-match Test series in England, and they are gearing up for the fourth Test in Manchester.