India will tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series from August 15 to 27 as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Thursday.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10 am local time.
The series could prove pivotal in the WTC qualification race. India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15 after nine matches, while Sri Lanka are sixth with 44.44. A series win would significantly strengthen either side’s hopes of securing one of the two spots in the WTC final.
The tour marks India’s first Test series in Sri Lanka since 2017, when Virat Kohli’s side completed a 3-0 clean sweep. The Tests will begin a week after the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League on August 8.
SLC’s announcement did not mention the proposed three-match T20I series that had earlier been discussed to raise funds for relief and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
Meanwhile, India A, captained by Dhruv Jurel, are already in Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball shadow tour in Galle. The opening four-day match ended in a draw, while the second fixture is currently underway.
(IANS)
