The India national cricket team may play additional T20 International matches in Sri Lanka and Ireland as part of preparations for a packed cricket calendar over the next year.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering adding three T20Is to India's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
The proposed matches are expected to be played before the two Test matches already scheduled in the series, which are part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. If finalised, the games could take place during July-August.
Sri Lanka Proposes Matches for Flood Relief
The additional T20Is were reportedly proposed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as a fundraising initiative to support flood relief efforts in the country.
Sri Lanka suffered extensive damage from Cyclone Ditwah last November, which caused widespread destruction and displacement across several regions of the island nation.
If the plan is approved, India's T20I squad - currently led by Suryakumar Yadav - would begin the Sri Lanka tour with the short-format matches before transitioning to the red-ball Test series.
Possible T20I Series in Ireland
Before travelling to Sri Lanka, India are scheduled to tour England for a white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is between July 1 and July 19.
However, the team may make a brief stop in Dublin on the way, with discussions underway for a three-match T20I series against Ireland national cricket team.
Sources cited in the report said talks between the BCCI and Cricket Ireland are ongoing, and there is optimism that the series could be finalised. If approved, the matches may take place in the final week of June.
India has previously played short bilateral T20I series in Dublin in 2018, 2022, and 2023, supporting the growth of cricket in Ireland.
Busy Calendar for Team India
The potential Ireland tour would come shortly after India hosts Afghanistan national cricket team for a home series featuring one Test and three ODIs, scheduled between June 6 and June 20.
With multiple tours and tournaments lined up, the Indian team faces a busy international schedule, with additional matches potentially providing valuable preparation across formats.