In February 2021, Sri Lanka's coach Mickey Arthur and batsman Lahiru Thirimanne returned positive COVID-19 tests.[5] This resulted in several media reports stating that the tour had been postponed.[6][7][8] However, the following day, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced their upcoming broadcast deal to show live cricket in the Caribbean, starting with hosting Sri Lanka across all three formats.[9] On 16 February 2021, both cricket boards confirmed the dates for the fixtures.[10][11]
Sri Lanka Cricket also formally appointed Dasun Shanaka as their T20I captain, replacing Lasith Malinga.[12] Shanaka had previously captained the T20I side in October 2019, against Pakistan.[13] However, Shanaka did not depart for the tour with the rest of the team due to visa issues,[14] with Angelo Mathews named as Sri Lanka's stand-in captain for the T20I matches.[15] Sri Lanka Cricket issued a statement saying that Shanka is expected to join up with the team once his visa issue has been resolved.[16]
On 26 February 2021, the West Indies named their squads for the limited overs matches.[17]Chris Gayle and Fidel Edwards were recalled to the T20I team, after last playing for the national side two and nine years ago respectively.[18] On 11 March 2021, CWI formally appointed Kraigg Brathwaite as their Test captain, replacing Jason Holder.[19] Brathwaite had previously captained the West Indies team in seven Tests.[20]
On 2 March 2021, CWI named the match officials for the tour. Joel Wilson, who has been the on-field umpire for 19 Tests prior to the tour, stood in his first Test match at home.[21]Gregory Brathwaite also made his debut as an on-field umpire in Test cricket.[22]
The West Indies won the first T20I match by four wickets,[23] with Sri Lanka winning the second match by 43 runs to level the series.[24] The West Indies won the final match by three wickets to win the series 2–1.[25] The West Indies won the first two ODI matches to win the series with a game to go.[26] They went on to win the final match by five wickets, to take the series 3–0.[27] Both Test matches finished as draws, therefore the series was also drawn 0–0.[28]
Ahead of the tour, Lahiru Kumara was ruled out of Sri Lanka's white-ball squad due to a positive test for COVID-19,[35] with Suranga Lakmal named as his replacement.[36] Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka missed the T20I matches, after he was unable to travel due to visa issues.[37] On 5 March 2021, Sri Lanka Cricket issued a statement stating that Shanka would join up with the team for the ODI matches.[38] Prior to the second ODI match, Angelo Mathews left Sri Lanka's squad for the rest of the tour to return home due to a family matter.[39] Ahead of the third ODI, Anderson Phillip was added to the West Indies' squad.[40]
