Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is one of the newest cricket stadiums in the outskirts of Kandy. It was modeled on the lines of the ‘Super Sport Park’ in Centurion, South Africa, established on the 27th November 2009 to accommodate over 35000 spectators. It became the 104th Test venue in the World, surrounded by the misty mountains with easy access and a well maintained venue.
Minister Laksman Kiriella was the first to initiate the construction of this stadium when he was Sports Minister. As the sports loving Minster who gives a very big hand for sports, and today many thanks to him for the brilliant idea up to date stadium.
Minister Lakshman Kiriella has then and even now monitors the development of this stadium to have the best equipments for the cricketers. Today the stadium needs an indoor net, Swimming pool and Gymnasium. It is said that the Gymnasium has adequate space and now need equipment to complete. Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee chairman Sidath Wettimuny has given the green light and work will start soon on the indoor net and swimming pool. This stadium has a good media box.
The first test match to be played at this venue was between Sri Lanka and West Indies from 1st to 5th of December 2010. The first One Day International match at the venue was played between New Zealand and Pakistan on 8th March 2011, then the first T/20 Sri Lanka vs. Australia – August 6, 2011. The capacity of the Stadium is 35,000, playing area is 80.0m long, 75.0m wide with floodlights installed in 2010.
There is a request from schools to the interim committee chairman to reduce the ground fee and also most of the time the ground is closed for maintenance. The stadium comes alive only when an International game is played. Today club cricket is dead in Kandy, schools need the backing to play matches.
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