India to Tour Sri Lanka for Two-Test WTC Series in August 2026

Colombo, July 2026 : India will travel to Sri Lanka in August for a two-match Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Thursday. The series is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the fortunes of both teams in the race for a place in the WTC final.

According to the schedule released by SLC, the opening Test will be played at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both matches will begin at 10 a.m. local time.

The series comes at an important stage of the World Test Championship, with both teams looking to improve their standings. India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the WTC table with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15 from nine matches. Sri Lanka occupy the sixth position with a PCT of 44.44, making the series vital for both sides as they aim to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two and qualifying for the WTC final.

India will be returning to Sri Lanka for a Test series for the first time since 2017. On that occasion, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India dominated the hosts, completing a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash. Sri Lanka will be eager to produce a stronger performance this time and improve their record against their Asian rivals in home conditions.

The tour has been scheduled immediately after the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is set to end on August 8, allowing both teams adequate preparation time before the Test series begins.

While there had been discussions about adding a three-match T20 International series to the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket made no announcement regarding the limited-overs fixtures. The T20Is were reportedly proposed as part of efforts to generate funds for relief and reconstruction work following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. However, the latest itinerary released by SLC includes only the two Test matches.

Meanwhile, India’s preparations for the tour are already underway. An India A side, captained by Dhruv Jurel, is currently in Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball shadow tour in Galle. The first four-day match ended in a draw, while the second fixture is in progress, providing several young players with valuable experience in Sri Lankan conditions ahead of the senior team’s arrival.

With valuable World Test Championship points at stake, the upcoming series promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two teams determined to revive their campaigns and move closer to securing a place in the WTC final.