India’s proposed Sri Lanka tour hangs in uncertainty over quarantine protocols     

India’s proposed tour to Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series late this year is hanging over the logistical hurdles, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo. It suggests India will play five ODIs and three T20Is and both the boards – BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket – are committed to organise the series.



However, the main area of concern may be the mandatory 14-day quarantine period which the Sri Lankan government is likely to impose on any visiting team that enters the country. According to the strict COVID rules and regulations of Sri Lanka, the players have to isolate themselves in their respective hotel rooms limited to only individual exercises.



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Such restrictions might not go well with the Indian team as that would hamper the fitness and preparation of the players – a fact that led to the postponement of Bangladesh men’s tour to Sri Lanka. Although SLC hopes that the health authorities might relax the quarantine rules, there have been reports that the number of positive COVID cases have risen in some parts of the country.



The BCCI has not made any official announcement as yet regarding the tour but if it goes ahead as per the plan, the players are expected to fly to Sri Lanka directly from the UAE after playing the Women’s T20 Challenge which starts November 4. Two Sri Lankan players – Chamari Atapattu and Shashikala Siriwardene – have been confirmed to participate in the tournament in UAE.



Sri Lanka were due to host the 2021 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers earlier in July but was postponed after the main tournament was pushed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.