Delhi is set to lose the India-Sri Lanka ODI scheduled for December 13, with renovation work ruling Arun Jaitley Stadium out of hosting the international fixture, according to a report by Sportstar. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the ground will be unavailable, leaving the match requiring an alternative venue.
The redevelopment will also force Delhi to relocate a significant part of its domestic programme. Work at the stadium, historically known as the Feroz Shah Kotla, includes relaying its pitches and outfield alongside a substantial upgrade to its drainage infrastructure.
DDCA targets major infrastructure upgrade
The project is designed to modernise playing conditions and improve the facilities available to cricketers and spectators. A Senior DDCA Official told Sportstar: “We are aiming to provide the best infrastructure to our players, who in turn would give the best for the fans who come to cheer them. The new pitches and the outfield will be of high quality.”
A new drainage system forms another central part of the redevelopment. The official added: “We will have the best drainage system, which will ensure a start within half an hour regardless of the amount of rain. This was a major decision for us, in keeping with most modern cricket stadiums. We have the interest of the paying public and the players in mind.”
The construction programme means the venue will not be available for Delhi’s scheduled Ranji Trophy home matches against Gujarat, Services and Maharashtra. Women’s and junior fixtures planned for the ground will also need to be accommodated elsewhere while the work continues.
Delhi turns to alternative domestic venues
The DDCA has identified Palam and Jamia Millia as alternative grounds for its displaced matches. Palam is already regularly used for Services fixtures, while Jamia Millia has previously staged first-class cricket and most recently hosted Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Orissa in February 2024.
Other venues could help absorb the wider domestic schedule. Efforts are being made to stage some women’s and age-group cricket at Roshanara Ground and Karnail Singh Stadium.
Karnail Singh Stadium had previously been stripped of its first-class status by the BCCI because of inadequate facilities. Railway authorities have since committed to improving the venue, while the possibility of installing floodlights there has also been discussed.
Delhi’s domestic campaign is scheduled to begin against Gujarat at Palam on October 18. For the international calendar, the immediate consequence of the Arun Jaitley Stadium redevelopment is that the December 13 India-Sri Lanka ODI will have to be staged away from its originally planned Delhi venue.
