India to play five ODIs and two T20s in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 19 June 2012 01:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team will be playing five One-day matches and two Twenty20 matches in Sri Lanka from the third week of July.

According to sources, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was initially interested in playing a full-fledged series against India, including a short Test series. But due to hectic scheduling, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) couldn’t accommodate Test series, but has given go ahead to the One-dayers and T20s.

“These matches will be ideal for the Indian team, especially, at a time when the World T20 is around the corner in Sri Lanka itself,” a top BCCI official confirmed.

It would be interesting to see if Sachin Tendulkar would be interested to play these matches in Sri Lanka. After scoring his 100th tons in international cricket, there is no confirmation on his availability for the series. Last time, India played One-dayers in the Asia Cup, Tendulkar was available for selection.

Soon after finishing the Lanka assignment (in July-August), India are schedule to play two-match Test series against New Zealand at home in August before World T20 begins in September.