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Picture Credit: SLC

While India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka was all set to commence on July 13, a COVID-19 burst in the Sri Lankan setup has forced the organisers to reschedule the entire series. This is because the players, who were in close contact with the players and support staff of England who had tested positive for COVID-19, have been mandated an extended quarantine and not risk playing the first after a six-day quarantine. While Sri Lanka's head coach Grant Flower had tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, their team analyst GT Niroshan was found positive a day later.

Although official confirmation is yet to be awaited, here is a tentative schedule for the Sri Lanka series:

ODI Series

1st ODI: July 18 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

2nd ODI: July 20 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

3rd ODI: July 23 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

T20I Series

1st T20I: July 25 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

2nd T20I: July 27 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

3rd T20I: July 29 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

It should be noted that Sri Lanka Cricket is set to officially announce the revised schedule of the matches to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the broadcasters on Saturday. The timings of the matches are likely to remain the same. Meanwhile, it is also being learned that Sri Lanka Cricket is keeping options open to field a fresh side much like England had to for the ODIs against Pakistan.

It is being reported that two groups of cricketers are already in bio-bubbles- a contingent in Colombo, the other in Dambulla - could possibly receive a call up if the first team is not able to take the field if they are advised extended isolation.