India to play additional T20Is in Sri Lanka to aid cyclone-hit regions: Report

India have reportedly agreed to play additional Twenty20 Internationals during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as a gesture of support for relief and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chairman Shammi Silva confirmed the development, stating that the extra matches will be slotted into India’s tour of the island nation later this year, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The additional fixtures are expected to help raise funds and keep public attention on reconstruction work in cyclone-affected regions.

As quoted by dailymirror.lk, Silva said the decision reflected India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive damage across several parts of the country.

Silva further revealed that India had earlier agreed to tour Sri Lanka in late December to play two T20 Internationals exclusively to raise funds for cyclone relief. Those matches, however, could not be organised due to logistical challenges and the lack of a broadcast



partner.

“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 SLC chairman expressed gratitude for India’s continued support, adding that the additional T20Is scheduled during the August tour are expected to generate much-needed revenue while ensuring sustained focus on relief and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.

India’s international calendar for 2026 is already a demanding one. The year is structured around three major blocks: a home white-ball series against New Zealand, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on the subcontinent, and a mid-year overseas white-ball tour of England. The rest of the schedule follows the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, with several series still awaiting detailed match itineraries from the respective boards.

India are also set to conclude 2026 with a home limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.