India has agreed to play additional T20 international matches during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as part of efforts to support relief and recovery work following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva said.
Speaking on the matter, Silva said the additional T20Is will be played when the India national cricket team tour Sri Lanka for their ICC World Test Championship series later this year.
He said the decision was taken as a gesture of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across several parts of the country
Silva further revealed that India had also agreed to tour Sri Lanka in late December to play two T20 internationals aimed at raising funds for cyclone relief. However, the matches could not be organised due to the unavailability of a broadcaster within the limited timeframe.
“There was willingness from India to come down at the end of December to play two T20Is to raise funds, but there was simply no time to organise it, especially with no broadcaster available,” Silva said.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman expressed appreciation for India’s support, noting that the additional matches scheduled for August will help generate much-needed revenue and attention for ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts.
Cyclone Ditwah affected hundreds of thousands of people across Sri Lanka, triggering severe flooding and landslides and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Sri Lanka Cricket has been involved in several initiatives aimed at supporting relief efforts, including exploring international fixtures and fundraising activities in collaboration with overseas cricket boards.
Silva also said income generated from the upcoming T20 international series against Pakistan will be donated towards flood relief efforts. (Newswire)