India's tour of Sri Lanka called off

The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) announced on Thursday that the Indian tour of Sri Lanka had been cancelled due to the pandemic. 

The BCCI treasurer, Arun Dhumal, said that it is not feasible to go forward with the tour in the light of the international travel restrictions and the growing concern about the virus.

"It is not possible to go ahead with the tour in June-July and we have conveyed it to the Sri Lankan board (SLC). However, we remain committed to the series (at a later date)," Arun Dhumal said. 

India was expected to play three ODIs and three T20Is beginning in June. The revocation of the tour was on the cards, as Indian players are yet to commence their outdoor training sessions. 

"The team is out of practice and we are not sure when international travel restrictions will be lifted, so it wasn't possible in June-July," Dhumal added.

Earlier this month, BCCI confirmed that they are looking at the August-September window to resume the outdoor training schemes for the players. Cricket pundits and professional coaches are of the opinion that it will take at least 6-8 weeks of vigorous training to get back to the natural rhythm. 

Sri Lanka Cricket corroborated the decision in a press release, "The BCCI informed Sri Lanka Cricket that due to the prevailing circumstances revolving around COVID-19 pandemic, the cricket series, which included three ODIs and three T20I matches will not be feasible," the SLC stated. 

However, the press release also reported that BCCI was willing to play the series at a later point in the year subject to government clearance.

"BCCI remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket," the press release stated.