Sri Lanka has become a world famous travel destination for many reasons. Mother Nature has been very generous in bestowing her blessings upon this beautiful little isle, and over the centuries the proud Sri Lankans who have inhabited this land have left behind more wonders for future generations to enjoy. In relatively recent times Sri Lanka has risen to stardom in the international arena because of its world class performance in the much loved sport, Cricket.
While cricket is not the national sport in Sri Lanka, it sure is the most popular. So if you want to get a chance to hear the lions roar for their favourite team sport you might want to make a note of where these matches take place around the island. Take a look at the top Cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka you can visit to catch the cricket fever.
- R. Premadasa Stadium
In the midst of one of the busiest towns in Colombo, you will come across the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The stadium is situated down Khettarama Road and was initially known as the Khettarama Stadium. This famous international cricket venue was commissioned by Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa and thus in June, 1994 the stadium was renamed as R. Premadasa International Stadium in memory of this great statesman.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, and has hosted over 100 one day international matches to date. Out of the most noteworthy memories that have been created in this stadium includes the time when Sri Lanka smashed the highest test total of 952/6 against India in 1997/1998 with star performances from famous cricketers like Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama.
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
The Pallekele Stadium is famous as one of the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world. With scenic mountain ranges in the backdrop visitors can enjoy a thrilling game of cricket in the cool climate of the hill country capital, Kandy. The stadium is one of the more recent additions built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Inspiration for this amazing stadium is said to have been drawn from the world famous cricket grounds Supersport Park in Centurion, South Africa.
Located just a half hour drive from the city, you should definitely stop by this famous landmark if you are staying in one of our lovely properties in Kandy.
- Galle International Stadium
Providing a splendid view of the iconic Galle Fort, the Galle International Stadium is yet another beautiful cricket ground worth visiting. This is one of the historic attractions in the country as the ground was first built in 1876 to be used as a race course. After various upgrades taking place over the next few decades the ground was declared as a cricket stadium in 1927. The stadium suffered major damages when the 2004 tsunami disaster struck the island but was restored once again to meet International standards.
If you happen to be staying in one of our featured accommodations in Galle, you should definitely check if there is a match going on here so you can enjoy watching this gentleman’s game in true Sri Lankan style, with the beating of drums unending roars made by spirited fans.
- Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
Just as all of the above famous cities in Sri Lanka are home to top international cricket stadiums, the ancient city of Dambulla too has its own special cricket grounds, the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Most Sri Lankan cricket grounds are known for their spectacular view and this stadium is no exception. Overlooking the scenic Dambulla reservoir and Dambulla Rock, this stadium was built in the dry zone so matches can be played here during the rainy season experienced in most other parts of the island. World class bowlers have has some great times in this stadium with Muttiah Muralitharan capturing the most number of wickets, and Farveez Maharoof and Taskin Ahmed clinching hat-tricks at this ground.
Based on the International match schedule currently released you might want to look out for the England tour of Sri Lanka 2018 and South Africa tour of Sri Lanka 2019 set to take place in the island.
