Delhi set to lose India‑Sri Lanka ODI as Arun Jaitley outfield work begins

A week after work began on the outfield at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi will not host the India‑Sri Lanka One-Day International scheduled for December 13, with a venue change described as all but confirmed.

The national capital had been due to stage the first one‑dayer when the series schedule was announced in March, and the Delhi & District Cricket Association had earlier been reported to be planning an outfield revamp on September 23.

“It will take around four months for the work to be completed. Mullanpur, Lucknow and nearly 75% of the venues in the country have sand-based outfields. It makes a massive difference to the drainage system, and will help get the ground ready after rain without much delay,” a source told The Hindu on Sunday.

The source added: “When the work gets completed, there will be no need to cover the entire ground in case of rain. Puddles won’t form on the outfield.”

The proposed renovation prompted Delhi’s Ranji Trophy home fixtures to be shifted to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam; after a draw against Gujarat in the second round, Delhi’s clash against Services from Monday is also scheduled at that highly guarded venue adjacent to the airport.

In the second phase of the First Class competition, Delhi will face Maharashtra at home.

The switch to a sand‑based outfield means the Ferozeshah Kotla ground will not be ready to host any cricket before the 2027 Indian Premier League, removing the Arun Jaitley Stadium as a venue option for the December 13 one‑day international.