The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received a request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to host a brief white-ball series in August. Following the cancellation of India's tour of Bangladesh, the proposition was made.

India was originally scheduled to play six white-ball matches in Bangladesh from August 17 to 31. Still, the series was deferred to next year, with both the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board citing international commitments and scheduling convenience as the reasons.

Although the BCCI has not yet provided a formal response, if the series proceeds, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are currently only playing in ODIs and out of two of the three formats, may return to action next month.

The six white-ball matches that SLC has suggested playing during the August window include three ODIs and three T20Is, which is the same amount that India was supposed to play in Bangladesh. A lot will depend on its judgment about the Asia Cup, which parties, especially the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is chaired by the Pakistan Cricket Board, are eagerly awaiting.

"There is a request pending from the SLC, but we have not decided on it yet. We will have to see the situation with the Asia Cup. Everything is interlinked," an informed source told Cricbuzz.

This is not to say that the Asia Cup and the Sri Lanka series cannot happen, but the BCCI wants to talk to players and coaches before making a decision, which is only logical.

Discussions with the players, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and top selector Ajit Agarkar are likely to take place during or after the Lord's Test, which BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will attend in London this week. After those consultations, SLC expects a response from the BCCI.

The BCCI's stance on the Asia Cup 2025, which will feature arch-rivals Pakistan—with whom the nation was recently involved in a military conflict—will determine the final decision, which is expected to be made in the coming 2-3 days.

The BCCI, as the tournament's host, would have to make the final choice, which will inevitably be informed by the Government of India's recommendations. The Asia Cup is set to take place from September 10 to September 28, if approved by the Indian government. A formal nod is still pending, though.

(Cricbuzz report)