Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, also known as Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium (MRIC Stadium), is a modern cricket venue located in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. Built ahead of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, the stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by rural landscapes, the stadium is known for its spacious design and world-class facilities, symbolizing Sri Lanka’s growth as a global cricketing hub.
The stadium regularly hosts ODIs, T20Is, and domestic matches and has also been used for multi-sport and cultural events.
It features:
- State-of-the-art pavilions and modern dressing rooms
- Large outfield with excellent drainage facilities
- Corporate boxes, media centre & VIP lounges
- Floodlights for day/night international matches
- Spacious stands offering wide-angle views of the field
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Sooriyawewa, Hambantota District, Sri Lanka
- Proximity: Situated around 15 km from Hambantota town, in southern Sri Lanka
- Transport: Accessible via Southern Expressway and nearby airports; parking facilities available
- Environment: Located in a rural setting, surrounded by greenery and close to Sri Lanka’s southern coast
🏏 Cricket History
- Inauguration: February 2011 for the ICC Cricket World Cup
- First Match: Sri Lanka vs Canada, 20 February 2011 (World Cup group stage)
- ODI Debut: 2011 – Sri Lanka vs Canada
- T20I Debut: 2012 – Part of Sri Lanka’s international fixtures
Historic Matches:
- 2011: Sri Lanka vs Canada – First-ever match at the stadium in the World Cup
- 2012: Hosted T20I matches against major teams in the Sri Lanka Premier League
- 2014: Venue for ICC World Twenty20 warm-up matches
- Regular host of Sri Lanka’s bilateral ODI & T20I series
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: 35,000 (2nd largest in Sri Lanka after R. Premadasa)
- Speciality: Built for the 2011 ICC World Cup; modern infrastructure in a rural setting
- Pitch Behavior: Known to favor batters in limited-overs; assists spinners as matches progress
- Facilities: Corporate boxes, media centre, advanced player facilities, training areas
- Floodlights: Fully equipped for ODIs & T20Is
- Tourist Attraction: Close to Hambantota beaches, Yala National Park, and southern cultural heritage sites
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type:
- Early Overs: Good bounce and carry for fast bowlers
- Middle Overs: True bounce allows stroke play
- Later Stages: Spinners come into play with grip and turn
- Batting Conditions: High-scoring venue, especially in ODIs and T20Is
- Outfield: Large boundary dimensions, fast and well-maintained outfield
- Day/Night Matches: Excellent lighting, but evening dew can impact bowling sides
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup – Hosted 2 group-stage matches
- 2012 – Sri Lanka Premier League fixtures held at MRIC Stadium
- Multiple bilateral ODI & T20I series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, and other nations
- Venue for domestic tournaments including Lanka Premier League (LPL)
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Vibrant Sri Lankan crowds, passionate local supporters
- Seating: Mix of modern stands with good viewing angles
- Family-Friendly: Safe stadium with facilities for families, food courts, and refreshment zones
- Tourism Blend: Visitors can combine cricket with trips to Hambantota beaches, wildlife safaris (Yala National Park), and southern cultural attractions
- Unique Appeal: A modern stadium built in a rural location, symbolizing cricket’s spread across Sri Lanka beyond Colombo and Kandy
👉 Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium stands as a landmark of Sri Lanka’s cricketing vision—combining modern architecture, World Cup heritage, and a passionate fan base. Despite its rural setting, it continues to shine as one of the country’s premier cricket venues, offering thrilling cricketing experiences under lights and sunshine.
