Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has been ruled out as a venue for the day-night ODI between India and Sri Lanka on December 13, 2026. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that the ground, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, cannot stage the international fixture because of extensive renovation work currently under way.
The fixture was scheduled as a day-night contest with an 8:30 AM start. With the stadium unavailable, the BCCI is yet to officially name a replacement venue, and the matter remains under review.
“We are aiming to provide the best infrastructure to our players, who in turn would give the best for the fans who come to cheer them. The new pitches and the outfield will be of high quality. We will have the best drainage system, which will ensure a start within half an hour regardless of the amount of rain. This was a major decision for us, in keeping with most modern cricket stadiums. We have the interest of the paying public and the players in mind,” a DDCA official said as quoted by Sportstar.
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What does the renovation at Arun Jaitley Stadium involve?
The renovation programme at Arun Jaitley Stadium covers two principal areas: a complete relaying of the pitches and outfield, and the installation of a state-of-the-art drainage system. The drainage upgrade is specifically designed to allow play to resume within half an hour of any rainfall, bringing the ground in line with the standards expected at leading international venues.
The work is initially understood to span four months. Should the project encounter delays, the December 13 ODI could remain without a confirmed home, adding urgency to the BCCI’s search for an alternative ground. No official completion date has been announced, and the renovation timeline may be subject to revision depending on progress on site.
Beyond the international fixture, the renovation will disrupt Delhi’s Ranji Trophy home schedule against Gujarat, Services and Maharashtra, along with women’s and junior competitions that were due to be staged at the stadium during this period.
Where will Delhi’s domestic fixtures be held during the renovation period?
The DDCA has earmarked two alternative venues within the capital to absorb the displaced domestic programme. The Palam ground and the Jamia Millia ground will share hosting duties while Arun Jaitley Stadium remains out of commission.
Delhi’s domestic season gets under way with a Ranji Trophy fixture against Gujarat at the Palam ground on October 18, 2026. The Jamia Millia ground carries relevant experience as a Ranji Trophy venue, having last staged a match between Delhi and Orissa in February 2024, making it a workable option for the association during this period.
