Delhi won’t host India-SL ODI, sand-based outfield to be ready for IPL

With the renovation of the outfield at the Arun Jaitley Stadium having begun a week ago, the change in venue for India’s ODI against Sri Lanka on December 13 has been all but confirmed. The national capital was slated to host the first one-dayer of the series when the schedule was announced back in March, but the switch to a sand-based outfield means that the Ferozeshah Kotla ground won’t be ready for any cricket before the 2027 Indian Premier League.

“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.

It had been reported in The Hindu on September 23 that the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) was planning to revamp the outfield.

“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 source added.

The proposed renovation had resulted in Delhi’s home games in the Ranji Trophy being moved 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 at the highly guarded venue adjacent to the airport. In the second phase of the First Class competition, Delhi will face Maharashtra at home.