INDvSL: First Two ODI”s against Sri Lanka won”t go as planned; Here is why

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has announced a change in timings of first 2 ODIS against Sri Lanka at Dharamshala and Mohali on December 10 and 13 respectively. The matches which were originally scheduled at 13:30 (1:30 pm) will now start at 11:30, a couple of hours early.

The decision comes after recommendations from state associations hosting the games (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and Punjab Cricket Association) regarding fog and inclement weather. The 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam will, however, start on scheduled time (1:30 PM).

“The BCCI in consultations with the two staging host associations – Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) – has revised the start times of the first two matches of the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, to be held in Dharamsala (Dec 10, 2017) and Mohali (Dec 13, 2017) respectively,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“The first two ODIs will now start at 11:30 AM. The decision was made keeping in mind the recommendation of host associations regarding inclement weather conditions in North India in the month of December,” the statement further added.

India is currently playing 3 test matches against Sri Lanka. After the first test in Kolkata, the action moves to Nagpur (November 24-28) and then Delhi (December 2-6). India plays 3 T20Is as well at Cuttack, Indore, and Mumbai on December 20, 22 and 24 respectively.

The scheduled start of play in Day-Night ODIs used to be 2:30 PM until 2011. In 2012-13 home season, BCCI changed the time to 12:00 PM so as not to allow dew factor to play a part in substantial part of the game. Considering 12:00 little too early, BCCI made a change to 1:30 PM which has become a benchmark now.

– by Atharva Apte