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Sri Lanka's Historic SSC Ground Set for Day-Night Test Cricket Revolution

Sri Lanka Cricket has completed a major floodlight project at the Sinhalese Sports Club, paving the way for the country's first-ever Day-Night Test match, potentially against India. The upgrade, part of a Rs. 1.8 billion investment, includes improved dressing rooms and a VIP area, with a second phase to expand capacity to 30,000 seats after the T20 World Cup. This development aims to bolster Sri Lanka's bids for future ICC tournaments while honoring the historic ground's 125-year legacy. The move is part of a broader national strategy to upgrade multiple venues, including plans for a new international stadium in Jaffna.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Plans Day-Night Tests at Upgraded SSC Ground

  • Floodlights installed at SSC
  • First Pink-Ball Test planned
  • 30,000-seat expansion post-T20 WC
  • Part of broader venue upgrade strategy
3 min read

Sri Lanka Cricket plans Day-Night Tests at SSC: Report

Sri Lanka Cricket completes SSC floodlight installation, targeting the country's first Day-Night Test and a 30,000-seat upgrade for future ICC events.

"The long-term vision was for SSC to one day host Day-Night Test matches. – Sujeewa Godaliyadda, SLC Treasurer"

Colombo, Jan 2

India could be playing a Pink Ball Day/Night Test when they visit Sri Lanka for a long-form series next time. Sri Lanka Cricket is laying the groundwork for a new chapter in the island's cricketing history, with plans to stage Day-Night Test matches at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, a report said on Friday.

The installation of floodlights at the Sinhalese Sports Club has now been completed, and SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda said the project goes well beyond the immediate demands of the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) reported.

The report claimed that SLC has funded the floodlight project for Rs. 1.8 billion as the SSC is set to host five matches of the showpiece event. The other venues for the tournament will be the Pallekele International Stadium and the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Speaking to journalists during a media tour to unveil the project, Godaliyadda said the long-term vision was for SSC to one day host Day-Night Test matches. While Pink-Ball matches have gained traction globally in recent years, Sri Lanka are yet to stage one at home, and the indication is that SSC will be the venue for the country's first-ever Day/Night Test, the report claimed.

The SSC ground will be leased for a certain number of days a year to SLC for conducting training and games. It is part of the agreement that the board undertook to develop the ground.

Beyond the floodlights, the first phase of development also included upgraded dressing rooms and a new VIP viewing area. A second phase, scheduled to begin after the World Cup, will focus on expanding the venue's capacity. SLC plans to upgrade SSC into a 30,000-seat stadium, a move the board believes will strengthen Sri Lanka's case when bidding for future ICC events, including women's and Under-19 tournaments.

The SSC celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and has been the stage for many of Sri Lankan cricket's defining moments. The ground hosted matches during the 1996 World Cup and was the scene of the world-record partnership of 624 runs between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006.

Alongside SSC, the Colombo Cricket Club Ground, just across the road, and the P. Sara Oval are also undergoing upgrades, the report said.

SLC is meanwhile pressing ahead with plans to build a new international-standard cricket ground in Jaffna and has identified several other locations for future venues, as demand for international facilities continues to grow.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs. 1.8 billion is a huge investment. Hope it pays off for Sri Lankan cricket fans. The pink ball can be tricky though – our Indian team struggled a bit initially in D/N Tests. Will be an interesting challenge for both sides!
A
Aman W
Good initiative, but I hope they don't neglect the traditional day Test matches completely. There's a certain charm to Test cricket in natural daylight. Also, upgrading Jaffna is a positive step for cricket development across the island.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Colombo, this is exciting news! The SSC is a beautiful ground. Day-Night Tests mean we can attend after work. Looking forward to seeing India play here. The capacity increase to 30,000 is much needed.
V
Vikram M
Smart move by SLC. Hosting Day-Night Tests against big teams like India will definitely boost ticket sales and viewership. Hope the pitch and outfield are also up to the mark. The dew factor in Colombo evenings could be a game-changer!
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the infrastructure push is good, I hope the focus remains on producing quality cricketers. Sri Lanka has great talent. A strong Lankan team makes for a more competitive and exciting series for us in India. All the best!

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