Reports: BCCI agrees to play a bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka to help cash-strapped SLC

Sri Lanka is currently going through turmoil due to the economic crisis in the country. Protests are going on throughout the country for more than a month now, leading to the current government stepping down, including the Prime Minister. It goes without saying that cricket is also suffering a lot as a consequence. Sri Lanka Cricket, however, has announced help as a donation of $2 million to the country’s hospitals during these challenging times.

But even for the board to sustain, cricket tours should happen and revenue has to be generated now. Australia are due to tour Sri Lanka for 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests but it is in doubt now given the prevailing situation in the country. Moreover, the Asia Cup in August is also in doubt with reportedly Bangladesh most likely to get a chance to host the tournament.

Meanwhile, according to Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to step in to help the neighbouring cricket board. A section of Sri Lankan media has reported that the BCCI has agreed to play a two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka to help SLC. However, SLC secretary Mohan de Silva has confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet.

Decision on hosting Asia Cup to be taken soon

Meanwhile, it has also been understood that the final decision on hosting the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka will be taken soon. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan was in Ahmedabad to witness the IPL 2022 final and the talks are expected to go on regarding hosting the Asia Cup in August. Bangladesh are the favourites to get the hosting rights for the tournament.

Meanwhile, SLC is confident of hosting Australia for an entire tour amidst the turmoil in the country. The T20I series between the two teams is set to commence on June 7 and the visitors are expected to land in the island nation soon.