India’s cricket calendar could become even busier this summer, with discussions underway to add extra T20 Internationals in both Sri Lanka and Ireland. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering proposals that would see the world champions squeeze in additional fixtures before their scheduled tours of England and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly requested India to play three T20Is in July-August as part of a fundraising initiative for flood relief, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah last November. If approved, the matches would precede the two World Test Championship fixtures already planned between the two nations. India’s T20I side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, would therefore begin the Sri Lanka tour with white-ball cricket before switching focus to the red-ball format.

Meanwhile, talks are also progressing between the BCCI and Cricket Ireland over a three-match T20I series in Dublin in late June. The games would likely take place en route to England, where India are scheduled for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and five T20Is from July 1 to 19. India has a history of playing short bilateral series in Ireland, having toured Dublin in 2018, 2022, and 2023 to support the growth of cricket in the region.

These potential additions come on the heels of India’s home series against Afghanistan, which runs from June 6 to 20 and includes one Test and three ODIs. If the Ireland and Sri Lanka proposals are finalized, India’s players will face a relentless stretch of matches across formats and continents, underscoring the demands of modern international cricket.

Pakistan fast bowler Salman Mirza has served a legal notice to broadcaster ARY Communications and journalist Shahid Hashmi, accusing them of spreading false and defamatory claims about his conduct during the team’s recent stay in Sri Lanka.

The notice, dated March 12, refers to a report aired on March 5 by ARY News which alleged that Mirza had misbehaved with a female staff member at the team hotel in Kandy and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had fined him over the incident.

Mirza has strongly denied the allegations, with his legal team describing the broadcast as baseless and damaging to his reputation. The PCB also rejected the claims through its official X account, calling the report “agenda-driven fake news” and stressing that no disciplinary action had been taken against the player.

In the legal notice, Mirza’s lawyers demanded that ARY News and Hashmi retract the report from all platforms, issue an unconditional public apology, and pay damages of 100 million Pakistani rupees for the harm caused to his reputation and goodwill. The notice further warns that court proceedings will be initiated if these demands are not met within seven days.

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed head coach, Gary Kirsten, has outlined his vision for the national team, emphasizing consistency, depth, and adaptability as key pillars for success. Speaking to Wisden Cricket, Kirsten shared his thoughts on the challenges ahead and the roadmap he hopes to build with the players.

“Our goal is to move significantly up the rankings. Everyone wants to be part of a winning team, and that means we must focus on achieving victories more consistently,” Kirsten said.

He highlighted the unique challenge faced by subcontinental teams: performing well outside their home conditions. With the ICC World Cup approaching, Kirsten stressed the importance of preparing for South African conditions.

“It’s vital that we adapt to those environments, especially with a major tournament around the corner,” he noted.

Kirsten’s primary ambition is to establish stability within the system while also identifying the squad’s depth.

“How many players are competing for the same position? As an international coach, creating competition within the team is crucial. Relying on just two or three individuals for wins is a risky strategy,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will play several bilateral series, which Kirsten sees as an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of the team.

“My focus in the coming months is to build a strong background that supports long-term success,” he added.

Earlier Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the new head coach, succeeding Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down following the recently concluded T20 World Cup