Cricket diplomacy steps in as India agrees to play additional T20 internationals in Sri Lanka, turning sport into a lifeline for cyclone relief and national recovery.
India has agreed to play additional Twenty20 International matches during its tour of Sri Lanka in August, extending a gesture of solidarity to support relief and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The decision was confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva, who said the move reflects regional support at a time of national need.
Speaking to the media, Silva explained that the extra T20Is will be added to India’s scheduled tour later this year, which already includes matches under the ICC World Test Championship calendar. The additional games are expected to help raise revenue and sustain public focus on cyclone recovery, particularly in regions badly affected by flooding and infrastructure damage.
Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread destruction across several parts of the island, placing added strain on public resources. Against this backdrop, the willingness of India national cricket team to extend their tour has been welcomed as a meaningful act of sporting diplomacy.
Silva also revealed that India had earlier agreed to tour Sri Lanka in late December to play two T20 internationals aimed solely at raising funds for cyclone relief. However, those plans fell through due to tight timelines and the absence 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.
With the August tour now confirmed, Sri Lanka Cricket expects the additional matches to generate much needed financial support while reinforcing the long-standing cricketing bond between the two nations.
