The Largest Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka
One of the top teams in the cricketing world that produces outstanding players is the Sri Lanka International Cricket Team. Legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Dilshan, Lathis Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, and many others. The fluctuating pitch makes Sri Lanka’s cricket pitches one of the most difficult.
In this article, we will take a look at the largest cricket stadium in Sri Lanka and its history.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS): Introduction
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS) is a cricket stadium in Maligawatta, Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is sometimes referred to as Khettarama Stadium, Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, or colloquially the Premadasa Stadium. The stadium, which has staged more than 100 one-day international games, was once known as the Khettarama Cricket Stadium and is currently one of the primary locations where the Sri Lankan cricket team plays. It is the biggest stadium in Sri Lanka with a seating potential of 35,000 spectators.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS): History
The 40,000-seater concrete bowl stadium, which is the largest stadium in Sri Lanka, was the idea of the late Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa. The stadium, which opened on February 2, 1986, with a match between an England “B” squad and a Sri Lanka “B” team, was constructed on swampland that had previously been used by monks as a ferry to the nearby Khettarama temple.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS): Ground History
On March 9, 1986, Sri Lanka and Pakistan competed in the first One Day International. It staged its first Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka on August 28, 1992. The stadium is best known for hosting the world’s highest Test total (952/6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997/1998), which was achieved by former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama, who combined for a partnership of 576 runs for the second wicket, the largest number for any wicket in a Test Match at the time.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS): Stadium Plan
Seating is available in two tiers, lower and higher, in Pavilions A and B. In these two stands are created a number of corporate boxes. In the stadium, Pavilions C and D with a two-tiered seating arrangement are constructed between the scoreboard. The highest deck has entirely standard seating blocks, and the lower tiers have concrete pavement designated for floor seating. Superior seating is available in the grandstand and top-level block above the player pavilions. The grandstand provides a nice view of the scoreboard, the game, and the pitch while Pavilions A and B provide a reasonable view of the scoreboard.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS): Records
| First Test | Sri Lanka v Australia, 28 Aug – 02 Sep 1992 |
| Last Test | Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 14-18, Jul 2017 |
| First ODI | Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 09-Mar-1986 |
| Last ODI | Sri Lanka v Australia, 24 June 2022 |
| First T20I | Sri Lanka v India, 10 Feb 2009 |
| Last T20I | Sri Lanka v Australia, 8 June 2022 |
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