City: Pallekele, Kandy
Country: Sri Lanka
Capacity: 35000
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Pallekele, just outside the bustling city of Kandy in Sri Lanka, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is a venue that embodies the spirit of Sri Lankan cricket. This ground saw its inauguration in 2009, becoming a striking addition to the nation’s list of international cricket venues. Built in a relatively short time leading up to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, the stadium swiftly became integral to the country's cricketing tapestry.
With a seating capacity of around 35,000, Pallekele feels intimate yet grand. While it hasn't undergone many significant renovations since its inception, the stadium's excellent facilities have seen steady enhancements, ensuring a comfortable experience for players and spectators alike. The stadium serves as a home ground for the local team, Kandy Tuskers, while the national team, Sri Lanka, also graces its pitch regularly.
Pallekele has been the backdrop for numerous gripping encounters. The stadium staged several matches during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and has been a frequent host of T20 Internationals, especially during the Lanka Premier League. Particularly memorable is the high-octane T20 match against South Africa in 2013, when the skies were lit up by Kumar Sangakkara's glittering half-century, etching the ground firmly into cricket history. Domestically, it also regularly sees fierce contests during the Provincial T20 Tournament.
The pitch at Pallekele usually offers an exciting contest between bat and ball. It tends to favour seam bowlers upfront, given the region's slightly overcast conditions, but traditionally transforms into a batting paradise as the match progresses. Spinners, too, find assistance during the latter stages of the game, making balanced team selection crucial.
One of the delightful aspects of Pallekele is its breathtaking backdrop. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cleanliness of the air and the serenity of the hills make watching cricket here an almost meditative experience. It doesn’t boast ostentatious architecture, but the openness and sweeping views more than compensate, ensuring visitors remember their experience for the surroundings as much as the sport itself.
In terms of getting there, Pallekele is quite accessible via public transport, with several buses running from central Kandy to the ground. Although parking can be somewhat limited on match days, the atmosphere of camaraderie among cricket fans is always abundant. Facilities such as food stalls and restrooms are well managed, though they can get quite busy, and perhaps, that’s part of the charm - the hubbub of excited fans, exchanging pre and post-match insights, is all part of the Pallekele experience.
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
England
Pakistan
England
Sri Lanka
Australia
Oman
Ireland
Zimbabwe
Australia
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Oman
Sri Lanka
England
Sri Lanka
England
Sri Lanka
England
