The Ferozeshah Kotla ground, now known as the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, which will undergo major renovation work, will not be able to host the India vs Sri Lanka ODI on December 13.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has also informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India the the stadium’s unavailability to host the international fixture.
Delhi was also scheduled to host Ranji Trophy matches against Gujarat, Services, and Maharashtra, as well as some women’s and junior competitions. The Kotla will not be available for the home team’s domestic matches due to the relaying of the pitches and the outfield.
According to a senior official from the DDCA, the move to renovate the ground was initiated to keep in tune with the modern demands of the game. “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,” the official told Sportstar.
In a major and welcome step, the DDCA is installing a modern drainage facility at the Kotla. “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,” the DDCA official added.
The DDCA has identified Palam and Jamia Millia grounds to stage their matches. Palam has been a regular venue for matches involving Services, and Jamia Millia has hosted first-class matches in the past, the last being the Ranji Trophy contest between Delhi and Orissa in February 2024.
Efforts are underway to hold some of the women’s and age-group matches at the Roshanara Ground and the Karnail Singh Stadium, which the Board derecognised as a first-class venue for poor facilities. The Railway authorities have promised better facilities, and there is talk of installing floodlights at the Karnail Singh Stadium.
Delhi begins its domestic campaign with a match against Gujarat at the Palam ground on October 18.
Published on Sep 27, 2026
