Cricket in Colombo

Sports forms an intrinsic aspect of Sri Lanka and particularly cricket has transformed into the heart throbbing passion of the entire nation and the tiny island of Sri Lanka takes immense pride in its eight international-class cricket grounds. Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka as well as the main financial, commercial and industrial center of the country is also the hub of cricket and cricket is played on every available pitch across the length and breadth of the city of Colombo.

The fervor and popularity of cricket in Colombo as well as in Sri Lanka gets best reflected through the splendid performances of the international cricket team of the men and women. The Sri Lankan men's cricket team first took part in international cricket in 1975. It was later accorded Test status in 1981, becoming the eighth Test nations. Sri Lanka took everyone by surprise when they become the world champions by winning the World Cup 1996.The members of the winning team of Sri Lanka in 1996 became the heroes of the nation due to their stunning contribution in making their country the world champions. Sanath Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas have become a myth in the history of Sri Lankan cricket and they are the role models for many aspiring cricketers in the country. The Sri Lankan international cricket team of women made their debut in 1997 and since then they are performing brilliantly and they are contributing actively in making the game popular in women as well.

The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, established in 1899, is Sri Lanka's premier cricket ground and it is equivalent to the famous Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Colombo Cricket Club Ground is a multi-use stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is presently used mostly for cricket matches. The stadium can accommodate 6,000 people and it hosted its first test match in 1984.