Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Virat Kohli’s next appearance in front of his home crowd could have to wait a little longer, as Delhi is unlikely to host India’s opening ODI against Sri Lanka on December 13. The ongoing redevelopment of the Arun Jaitley Stadium outfield has all but confirmed that the fixture is going to be pushed out of the national capital.
The venue was included in India’s home schedule when the fixtures were announced in March. However, the scale of the work being carried out on the playing surface has cast doubt over whether the stadium will be ready to stage an international match next month.
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The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is replacing the existing outfield with a sand-based surface. The upgrade is aimed at improving drainage, allowing the ground to recover quicker after rain and reducing the chances of water accumulating on the field.
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The renovation, however, is expected to take the stadium out of contention for cricket until IPL 2027. With the December deadline approaching, Delhi’s chances of retaining the Sri Lanka ODI appear increasingly slim.
A source familiar with the project told The Hindu that the work would take approximately four months to complete. The source pointed to the drainage advantages of sand-based outfields, which are already in use at venues such as Mullanpur and Lucknow.
The new surface is also expected to reduce the need for extensive ground coverage during rain interruptions.
“When the work gets completed, there will be no need to cover the entire ground in case of rain. Puddles would not form on the outfield,” the source said.
For Kohli, a change of venue would mean missing an opportunity to play an international match in his home city. The former India captain has not featured in an ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since the 2023 World Cup.
India’s last appearance at the venue came on October 11, 2023, when they defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets during the tournament.
DOMESTIC CRICKET TAKES A HIT
The effects of the renovation have already been felt in Delhi’s domestic campaign. The DDCA has shifted the team’s Ranji Trophy home fixtures to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam to accommodate the work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Delhi played out a draw against Gujarat in the second round and are scheduled to take on Services at Palam from Monday. Maharashtra are also due to visit Delhi during the second phase of the competition.
The venue change for the Sri Lanka ODI would add another international fixture to the list of events affected by the redevelopment.
BCCI HAD EARLIER RULED OUT A VENUE CHANGE
The possibility of Delhi losing the match had been played down by the BCCI last month. Secretary Devajit Saikia had dismissed reports suggesting that the December 13 fixture could be moved to Ahmedabad because of the construction work.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the completion of the outfield renovation has brought the venue question back into focus.
India Today Digital reached out to the DDCA for a comment but is yet to receive a response.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
