Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced the schedule for India’s upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka, with the series set to be played in August as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The tour marks India’s first Test assignment in Sri Lanka since 2017, when the visitors completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
The two Asian rivals find themselves in the middle of the WTC standings, making the series a significant one in the race for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship final. India currently occupy fifth place in the standings, while Sri Lanka are just behind them in sixth, with both teams looking to improve their position through valuable points.
SLC confirms schedule for India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka
The series will begin with the opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The action will then move to Colombo, where the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground will host the second and final Test from August 23 to 27. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST.
India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka 2026 schedule:
- 1st Test: August 15-19 – Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
- 2nd Test: August 23-27 – Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo
Earlier reports had suggested that the two boards were also discussing the possibility of adding a three-match T20I series to the tour. However, SLC’s official announcement only includes the two Tests, indicating that the limited-overs matches are unlikely to take place. Reports have also stated that the BCCI decided against scheduling the T20Is due to an already packed international calendar.
Crucial WTC points at stake for both teams
The upcoming series carries added significance as both teams continue their campaigns in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. India have endured a mixed run so far, winning four Tests, losing four and drawing one to remain fifth in the standings. Their campaign began positively under captain Shubman Gill before a disappointing home series defeat against South Africa dented their qualification hopes.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have had a lighter schedule in the current cycle and currently sit sixth on the table. The home side will look to make full use of familiar conditions, with spin expected to play a major role on the traditionally turning surfaces in Galle and Colombo.
India will also be aiming to continue their recent dominance over Sri Lanka in Test cricket. The Men in Blue have won each of their last four Test series against the island nation, including a comprehensive 3-0 triumph during their previous tour in 2017. Overall, Sri Lanka’s last Test series victory over India came back in 2008.
Before heading to Sri Lanka, India are currently engaged in a white-ball tour of England and will also play a T20I series against Zimbabwe later this month. The August series will mark their return to World Test Championship action and could prove pivotal in shaping their qualification hopes for the 2027 final.
