Rex Clementine in The Island, late March 2022
Sri Lanka are set for a hectic international schedule over the next 12 months with tours to India, Bangladesh and New Zealand apart from the World Cup while they will host Australia, Pakistan and the Asia Cup. These are only confirmed tours and there could be more series that are fitted in once discussions with boards conclude, The Island learns.
The Asia Cup will be Sri Lanka’s first multi-nation tournament after several years. SLC managed to convince BCCI to shift the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka although BCCI was pondering to play the tournament in UAE, This is BCCI’s turn to host the Asia Cup. Accordingly, RPS and Pallekele will host the competition. Although how many teams will take part in the tournament is not confirmed yet, sources said it could be a six nation tournament. Along with Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, two qualifiers will engage in the competition.
Interestingly, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been shifted to August this year although the tournament was initially played in December. Sources said that SLC was keen on playing the tournament before the Asia Cup. There will be also a T-10 League that will take place in November.
After a tough Test series in India, Sri Lanka will have some breathing space when they travel to Bangladesh for two Test matches.
On their return home, they will host Australia for two Tests, five ODIs and three T-20s in June and July followed by two Tests and three ODIs against Pakistan in July and August. The Island learns that negotiations are on with Pakistan Cricket Board to play couple of T-20s as well. Immediately after that series, LPL will begin.
The Asia Cup is scheduled from 27th of August and Sri Lanka will host the qualifying round as well. The World Cup gets underway in October in Australia.
In December, Sri Lanka will travel to India again for five ODIs and three T-20s.
The two Test series against New Zealand will be played in March next year. The tour also includes three ODIs.
