If you are a cricket lover who wants to witness some of the most thrilling and historic matches in the world, then you should definitely add Pallekele Cricket Stadium to your bucket list. This stunning stadium, located in the scenic city of Kandy, is one of the best venues for cricket in Sri Lanka and the world. It has hosted many memorable and record-breaking games, featuring some of the finest players and teams in the sport. It also offers a unique and unforgettable experience for the fans, who can enjoy the game in a beautiful and lively atmosphere, surrounded by lush green hills and a serene lake. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pallekele Cricket Stadium, and why you should visit it as soon as possible.
The History and Significance of Pallekele Cricket Stadium
Pallekele Cricket Stadium was built in 2009 as part of Sri Lanka’s bid to host the 2011 Cricket World Cup. It was designed by the same architects who designed the Dubai Sports City Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It was inaugurated on November 27, 2009, with a match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Since then, Pallekele Cricket Stadium has hosted many important and memorable cricket matches, such as:
1. The first Test match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies in December 2010, which ended in a draw after rain interrupted the play.
2. The first One Day International between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in March 2011, which Sri Lanka won by 14 runs.
3. The first Twenty20 International between Sri Lanka and Australia in August 2011, which Sri Lanka won by 35 runs.
4. The semi-final of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which Sri Lanka won by 16 runs and qualified for the final.
5. The second Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia in August 2016, which Sri Lanka won by 229 runs and secured their first ever series win against Australia.
6. The third One Day International between Sri Lanka and India in August 2017, which India won by six wickets and completed a 5-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka.
7. The first Test match between Sri Lanka and England in November 2018, which England won by 57 runs and clinched their first series win in Sri Lanka since 2001.
8. The first Twenty20 International between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in March 2020, which Sri Lanka won by 25 runs.
Pallekele Cricket Stadium is not only a place where cricket history is made, but also a place where cricket culture is celebrated. Cricket is more than just a sport in Sri Lanka, it is a way of life and a source of pride and joy. Pallekele Cricket Stadium reflects and contributes to this passion and spirit, by providing a world-class venue for the players and the fans to showcase and enjoy their skills and talents. The stadium is also a symbol of the unity and diversity of Sri Lanka, as it hosts matches involving teams and players from different regions, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
The Features and Facilities of Pallekele Cricket Stadium
Pallekele Cricket Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that offers the best conditions and amenities for cricket. It has a capacity of 35,000 spectators and hosts both domestic and international cricket matches, including Tests, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20s. It is also the home ground of the Kandy Tuskers, one of the franchises in the Lanka Premier League.
Some of the features and facilities of Pallekele Cricket Stadium are:
1. A flat and fast pitch that favors both batsmen and bowlers and produces high-scoring and exciting matches.
2. A well-maintained outfield that allows the ball to travel quickly and smoothly and enhances the fielding and catching standards.
3. A sophisticated drainage system that ensures the ground is ready for play even after heavy rain and minimizes the chances of interruptions and delays.
4. A powerful floodlight system that enables the stadium to host day-night matches and creates a spectacular and dramatic effect.
5. A giant electronic scoreboard that displays the score, statistics, and replays of the match, and keeps the fans updated and entertained.
6. A spacious and comfortable seating arrangement that provides a clear and uninterrupted view of the action, and a pleasant and relaxing environment.
7. A large and secure parking area that accommodates the vehicles of the visitors, and facilitates easy and smooth entry and exit.
8. A variety of food and drink stalls that offer delicious and affordable snacks and beverages, and cater to the tastes and preferences of the fans.
9. A number of restrooms and washrooms that are clean and hygienic, and ensure the comfort and convenience of the fans.
10. A strict and efficient security system that ensures the safety and well-being of the fans, and prevents any unwanted incidents or disturbances.
How to Visit and Enjoy Pallekele Cricket Stadium
If you are interested in visiting and enjoying Pallekele Cricket Stadium, here are some of the things you need to know and do:
Timings: The stadium is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, and from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends and holidays. The entry fee is 100 Sri Lankan rupees (about 0.5 US dollars) per person, and the tickets can be purchased at the gate or online.
How to reach: The best way to get to the stadium is by car or taxi, as it is located about 13 kilometers from the city center of Kandy, and about 140 kilometers from the capital Colombo. The drive takes about 30 minutes from Kandy, and about 3 hours from Colombo, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the stadium is during the cricket season, which runs from October to March, and coincides with the dry and pleasant weather in Sri Lanka. During this period, you can catch some of the most exciting and competitive matches, featuring some of the top teams and players in the world.
Pallekele Cricket Stadium is a must-visit destination for cricket lovers, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of watching and enjoying the game in a magnificent and marvelous setting. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and identity of Sri Lanka, and to appreciate its diversity and unity. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Pallekele Cricket Stadium today, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
