Sri Lanka for Cricket Fans: Grounds, Museum and Tours

Cricket in Sri Lanka at a glance

A short history of Sri Lankan cricket

Cricket arrived in Ceylon with the British in the 19th century and quickly spread through schools and clubs in Colombo, Kandy and Galle. Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981 and played its first Test against England in Colombo in 1982.

The turning point came in 1996, when Sri Lanka won the Cricket World Cup, beating Australia in the final in Lahore. The team's attacking batting style changed one-day cricket forever. Sri Lanka also won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and has reached several other World Cup finals.

Sri Lanka has produced legends including Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test history with 800 wickets, his last taken at Galle in 2010; Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, two of the finest batters of their era; Sanath Jayasuriya, the explosive opener of 1996; Arjuna Ranatunga, the 1996 captain; and fast bowlers such as Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga.

1. Watch a Test at Galle

Galle International Stadium is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. It sits between the ocean and the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort. Fans watch from the stands or, famously, from the fort walls above the ground. The pitch has a reputation for helping spinners as the match goes on.

Tips - Stay inside or near Galle Fort and walk to the ground. - Bring a hat, sunscreen and water; the sun is strong. - Explore the fort in the evenings after play.

See Galle Fort, things to do in Galle and our Galle day tour.

2. Watch a match in Colombo

Colombo has several international grounds: - R. Premadasa Stadium: the largest stadium in Sri Lanka, used for many one-day and T20 internationals, often under lights. - Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC): a historic club ground and a regular Test venue. - P. Sara Oval: the ground where Sri Lanka played its first Test in 1982.

Combine a match with sightseeing in the city. See Colombo and one day in Colombo.

3. Watch cricket at Pallekele, near Kandy

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, just outside Kandy, sits among green hills. It's a great venue to combine with the Temple of the Tooth and the hill country. See Kandy and things to do in Kandy.

4. Dambulla and Hambantota

The Rangiri Dambulla stadium is in the Cultural Triangle, close to Sigiriya and the Dambulla cave temple. In the south, the stadium near Hambantota is a short drive from Yala, so you can combine cricket with a safari. See Dambulla cave temple, Sigiriya and places to visit in Hambantota.

5. Visit the Sri Lanka Cricket Museum

The Sri Lanka Cricket Museum opened in Colombo in February 2019, next to Sri Lanka Cricket's headquarters on Maitland Place. It tells the story of cricket in Sri Lanka, from colonial times to Test status and the World Cup win. Highlights include the 1996 World Cup trophy, the 2014 T20 World Cup trophy, a Hall of Fame and memorable moments in the country's cricket history. Check opening hours before you go.

6. Join a street or beach game

Wherever you go in Sri Lanka, you'll see children and adults playing cricket on roads, beaches, paddy fields and school grounds, often with a taped tennis ball. If you're invited to join, say yes; it's a wonderful way to meet people. Your driver can help.

7. Visit a cricket-loving school

Sri Lanka's big school cricket matches, such as the traditional "Big Matches" between rival schools, are huge events with music, parades and crowds. They're usually held around February to March. Ask us if one is on during your trip.

8. Follow the legends

Visit the places linked to Sri Lankan cricket legends: Galle, where Muralitharan took his 800th Test wicket; Kandy, where he grew up; and Colombo's famous school and club grounds.

What a match day is like

Sri Lankan crowds are famous for their energy. Bands play baila music on drums and trumpets throughout the day, and fans dance in the stands. It's colourful, friendly and loud, a very different experience from a quiet day at a cricket ground in England or Australia.

Match day tips - Arrive early to get through security and find your seat. - Check the bag rules before you go; many items may not be allowed. - Wear a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. - Bring cash for food and drinks. - For day-night matches, bring a light layer and insect repellent.

Tickets

Tickets for international matches are sold by Sri Lanka Cricket, usually online and at stadium ticket counters. Prices vary by match and stand. For big matches, book as soon as tickets go on sale. Prices and booking systems change, so check closer to your trip.

When to go

Sri Lanka hosts international teams at different times of year. Fixtures are usually announced months in advance. Weather matters too: - Galle and Colombo: best around December to April, outside the southwest monsoon. - Pallekele and Dambulla: often good mid-year, though showers can happen.

See the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Planning a cricket tour of Sri Lanka

A cricket tour combines matches with sightseeing. With a private driver, you can follow your team between grounds and see the island on rest days.

A sample 12-day cricket and sightseeing trip

We'll adjust the route to the actual fixtures. See our private tours and our private driver page.

Groups, clubs and school tours

Cricket clubs and schools from abroad often tour Sri Lanka to play local teams. We can help plan transport, accommodation, sightseeing and visits around your matches. See our DMC services and how to book.

Cricket and the rest of Sri Lanka

Even the biggest cricket fan will want time off from the scorecard. Combine your matches with: - The Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. - The hill country: tea estates and the train to Ella. - A safari: leopards in Yala or elephants in Udawalawe. - The beaches: Unawatuna, Mirissa or Bentota.

See best places to visit in Sri Lanka and our Sri Lanka itinerary.

Watching your team abroad

If your national team is touring Sri Lanka, you'll find many fellow fans at the grounds and in Galle Fort. Supporters' groups often organise meet-ups. Sri Lankans are welcoming and love talking cricket, so expect plenty of friendly conversations.

Cricket for families

Children love the music and atmosphere at Sri Lankan matches, but full days in the sun can be tiring. Choose a shorter T20 or one-day match, sit in the shade if possible, and plan pool time afterwards. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Where to stay

For the Galle Test, book early inside or near Galle Fort, or along the coast at Unawatuna. In Colombo, stay near the venue to avoid traffic. In Kandy, stay in the hills above the lake. See where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Getting between grounds

See Colombo to Galle and Colombo to Kandy.

Cricket legends and their stories

Muttiah Muralitharan grew up in Kandy and became the highest wicket-taker in Test history, with 800 wickets. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene shared record partnerships and led Sri Lanka in the 2000s and 2010s. Sanath Jayasuriya helped change one-day cricket with his attacking batting in 1996. Arjuna Ranatunga captained the 1996 World Cup-winning team. Lasith Malinga, with his slinging action, became one of the great fast bowlers of the T20 era. Ask your driver about his cricket heroes; you'll get stories for hours.

Cricket conversations

Cricket is the easiest way to start a conversation in Sri Lanka. Mention a famous player or match, and you'll make friends quickly, from tuk-tuk drivers to hotel staff. Many Sri Lankans follow other countries' teams closely too, so be ready to talk about your own players.

Cricket gear and souvenirs

Look for Sri Lanka team shirts and caps at official stores and stadium shops on match days. Small cricket bats signed by local clubs, or a tennis ball and tape for a street game, make fun souvenirs for young fans. See souvenirs from Sri Lanka.

Cricket and the rains

Monsoon showers can stop play. Check the forecast, and plan indoor sightseeing as a backup on match days.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking hotels in Galle too late for a Test match.
• Forgetting sun protection for a full day in the stands.
• Not checking stadium bag rules.
• Planning sightseeing on match days without allowing for traffic.
• Missing the Cricket Museum in Colombo.