T20Is likely to be added to India's Test tour of Sri Lanka as BCCI's goodwill gesture to boost Cyclone Ditwah-hit economy

India and Sri Lanka have shared strong cricketing relations for a long, long time. In recent years, Sri Lanka has often stepped up as a replacement team or location whenever the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested, and vice-versa. The two countries are also the co-hosts of the 2026 T20 World Cup that starts from February 7.

India are slated to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August 2026 and latest reports suggest that a T20I series is also expected to be played on that tour. This series wasn't there in the initial schedule but it is reportedly being added as a goodwill gesture from the BCCI to support Sri Lanka's economy that has taken a huge hit due to Cyclone Ditwah which struck the country in November-December.

Despite being a weak tropical cyclone, Ditwah was responsible for heavy rain in Sri Lanka and the southern parts of India. However, the extreme consequences of the cyclone was felt only in Sri Lanka whee over 600 people were reported dead in the calamity. Sources have estimated the losses to the country's economy to be around $1.6 billion.

The T20 World Cup has a fair share of matches in Sri Lanka with Colombo and Pallekele being the chosen venues for the showpiece tournament. Colombo is also the neutral venue for the marquee India-Pakistan clash and is also Pakistan's designated venue for the entire tournament including the semifinal and final if they progress that far.

While hosting an ICC tournament does have its share of perks, the profits that a bilateral series with India produce are arguably bigger for any host country. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are bound to generate immense buzz if the T20I series happens and it will be a potential boost to the recovering Lankan economy.

An official confirmation on this is awaited from BCCI and SLC regarding this extension of schedule.