Have you ever dreamed of watching a cricket match at one of the most famous and prestigious stadiums in the world? If yes, then you should definitely add the premadasa international cricket stadium to your bucket list. This stadium is not only a cricket lover’s paradise, but also a cultural and architectural marvel that will leave you awestruck. In this article, we will explore the features, facilities, events, and records of the premadasa international cricket stadium, as well as some tips on how to visit and enjoy this iconic venue.
What is the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium?
The premadasa international cricket stadium, also known as the R. Premadasa Stadium or simply the Premadasa, is a cricket stadium located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is the largest stadium in Sri Lanka, with a seating capacity of over 35,000 spectators. It is also the home ground of the Sri Lankan national cricket team, and the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.
The stadium was built in 1986, and was originally named the Khettarama Stadium, after the area where it is situated. It was renamed in 1994, in honor of Ranasinghe Premadasa, the former president of Sri Lanka, who was instrumental in its construction and development. The stadium underwent a major renovation in 2010, in preparation for the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Bangladesh. The renovation included the installation of new floodlights, drainage systems, media facilities, and seating arrangements.
The stadium is known for its unique and impressive design, which resembles a lotus flower. The stadium has a circular shape, with four stands named after four legendary Sri Lankan cricketers: Aravinda de Silva, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Muttiah Muralitharan. The stadium also has a giant screen, a digital scoreboard, a grassy embankment, and a roof that covers 80% of the seats.
What are the Facilities at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium?
The premadasa international cricket stadium offers a range of facilities and amenities for the visitors, such as:
1. Food Stalls
The stadium has several food stalls that serve a variety of cuisines, such as Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, and Western. You can find delicious dishes, such as rice and curry, hoppers, kottu, biryani, noodles, burgers, pizzas, and more. You can also enjoy some refreshing drinks, such as tea, coffee, juice, soda, and beer.
2. Seating Arrangements
The stadium has different types of seats, such as general admission, reserved, corporate, and VIP. You can choose the seat that suits your budget and preference, and enjoy a comfortable and panoramic view of the match. The seats are color-coded, and have cup holders, armrests, and cushions. The seats are also numbered, and have easy access to the exits and restrooms.
3. Media Box
The stadium has a state-of-the-art media box, where the journalists, commentators, and broadcasters can work and cover the match. The media box has high-speed internet, audio-visual equipment, air-conditioning, and catering services. The media box also has a glass window, that offers a clear and uninterrupted view of the pitch and the stands.
4. Parking
The stadium has a spacious and secure parking area, where you can park your vehicle for a nominal fee. The parking area can accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles, and has CCTV cameras, security guards, and ticketing machines. The parking area is also close to the main entrance of the stadium, and has shuttle buses that can take you to the gates.
5. Security
The stadium has a strict and efficient security system, that ensures the safety and well-being of the visitors. The stadium has metal detectors, bag scanners, frisking booths, and sniffer dogs, that check the visitors and their belongings before entering the stadium. The stadium also has fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency exits, in case of any mishap or accident.
What are the Events at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium?
The premadasa international cricket stadium has hosted some of the most exciting and memorable cricket events and tournaments in the world, such as:
World Cup
The stadium has hosted 11 matches of the Cricket World Cup, in 1996, 2011, and 2023. The stadium witnessed some of the most thrilling and historic matches, such as the 1996 semi-final between Sri Lanka and India, where Sri Lanka won by default after the crowd rioted and threw bottles and stones at the players. The stadium also hosted the 2011 final between India and Sri Lanka, where India won by six wickets and lifted the trophy for the second time. The stadium also hosted the 2023 semi-final between England and Australia, where England won by four wickets and reached the final for the first time since 1992.
Asia Cup
The stadium has hosted 12 matches of the Asia Cup, in 1997, 2004, 2010, and 2018. The stadium saw some of the most dominant and spectacular performances, such as the 1997 final between Sri Lanka and India, where Sri Lanka scored 302 for 5, the highest total in the tournament’s history, and won by eight wickets. The stadium also hosted the 2010 final between India and Sri Lanka, where India chased down 275 for 5, the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history, and won by six wickets. The stadium also hosted the 2018 final between India and Bangladesh, where India won by three wickets in the last ball of the match, in a nail-biting finish.
IPL
The stadium has hosted 12 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), in 2012 and 2014. The stadium hosted some of the most entertaining and high-scoring matches, such as the 2012 match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils, where Chennai scored 222 for 5, the highest total in the IPL’s history, and won by 86 runs. The stadium also hosted the 2014 match between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings, where Punjab scored 231 for 4, the second-highest total in the IPL’s history, and won by 44 runs. The stadium also hosted the 2014 match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, where Mumbai chased down 190 for 6 in 14.4 overs, the fastest run chase in the IPL’s history, and won by five wickets.
What are the Records at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium?
The premadasa international cricket stadium has witnessed some of the most remarkable and outstanding cricket records and achievements, such as:
Highest Scores
The highest team score at the stadium is 375 for 5, scored by India against Sri Lanka in 2017. The highest individual score at the stadium is 169, scored by Hashim Amla of South Africa against Sri Lanka in 2014. The highest partnership score at the stadium is 256, scored by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga of Sri Lanka against England in 2006.
Lowest Scores
The lowest team score at the stadium is 43, scored by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 2012. The lowest individual score at the stadium is 0, scored by 18 different batsmen. The lowest partnership score at the stadium is 0, scored by 10 different pairs.
Fastest Centuries
The fastest century at the stadium is 72 balls, scored by Shahid Afridi of Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 1996. The second-fastest century at the stadium is 76 balls, scored by Virat Kohli of India against Sri Lanka in 2012. The third-fastest century at the stadium is 80 balls, scored by Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka against India in 1997.
Most Wickets
The most wickets taken by a bowler at the stadium is 69, by Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka. The most wickets taken by a bowler in a match at the stadium is 10, by Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe in 2002. The most wickets taken by a bowler in an innings at the stadium is 7, by Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka against India in 2000.
How to Visit and Enjoy the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium?
If you are planning to visit and enjoy the premadasa international cricket stadium, here are some tips and suggestions that will help you make the most of your trip:
Book Your Tickets: You can book your tickets online or offline, depending on your convenience and preference. You can book your tickets online through the official website of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, or through other authorized websites, such as BookMyShow, Viagogo, or StubHub. The tickets are priced according to the type of seat, the type of match, and the demand and availability.
The tickets can range from 500 LKR to 10,000 LKR, depending on these factors. You can also buy a season pass or a membership card, that will give you access to all the matches and events at the stadium for a fixed period of time.
Plan Your Travel: You can reach the stadium from different parts of Colombo, using public transport or private vehicles. You can take a bus, a train, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk, depending on your convenience and preference. You can also rent a car, a bike, or a scooter, if you want to explore the city on your own.
The stadium is located about 6 km from the city center, and about 35 km from the airport. The travel time can vary depending on the traffic and the mode of transport. You can expect to spend about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on these factors.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching cricket at its best, at the premadasa international cricket stadium. You will not regret it.
