The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC Ground), located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is one of the most iconic and historic cricket stadiums in the island nation. Known as the “Lord’s of Sri Lanka”, it has been the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for decades. Established in 1952, the ground carries rich cricketing heritage and has hosted numerous memorable international matches, including Tests, ODIs, and Asia Cup fixtures.
Originally used as an aerodrome by Allied forces during World War II, it was transformed into a cricket ground and became a central hub of Sri Lankan cricket.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Area: Maitland Place, in the heart of Colombo
- Transport: Well-connected by road; accessible via taxi, local buses, and tuk-tuks; nearby railway stations connect it to major parts of the city
- Environment: Urban cricket ground surrounded by city life, with a blend of heritage and modern sporting culture
🏏 Cricket History
- First Match: 1974 – Sri Lanka vs Indian XI
- Asia Cup 1986: Sri Lanka recorded their first-ever ODI win against a Test-playing nation (Pakistan) at this venue
- Historic Performances:
- Muttiah Muralitharan took several of his record-breaking Test wickets here
- Chaminda Vaas produced a world-record 8/19 against Zimbabwe in ODIs and 14/191 vs West Indies in Tests
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: ~10,000 (mix of pavilions and grassy banks)
- Main Pavilion: Dressing rooms, members’ seating, hospitality areas
- Media Facilities: Large media centre, air-conditioned commentary box
- Scoreboard: Giant scoreboard facing Sri Lanka Cricket HQ
- Speciality: Known as the “Home of Sri Lankan Cricket”
- Ground Type: Combination of covered seating & open grass banks for fans
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type: Generally batting-friendly, but can assist spinners as the game progresses
- Batting Conditions: Ideal for long innings; ball comes nicely onto the bat
- Bowling Conditions: Spinners get turn in Tests, seamers get early movement in ODIs
- Outfield: Fast and lush, encouraging stroke play
- Day/Night Matches: Equipped with modern media facilities, but primarily known for day games
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 1986 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka’s first ODI win vs Pakistan
- Chaminda Vaas’ 8/19 vs Zimbabwe (ODI world record)
- Muralitharan’s numerous milestone wickets in Tests
- Hosted multiple Asia Cup games, Test series, and ODIs over decades
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Traditional cricket crowd with passionate local supporters
- Seating: Mix of member pavilions and casual grassy bank seating
- Family-Friendly: Open seating areas, relaxed cricketing vibe
- Tourism Blend: Located in central Colombo, close to shopping areas, cultural landmarks, and Galle Face Green
- Unique Appeal: Heritage-rich venue, considered Sri Lanka’s equivalent of Lord’s
👉 The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cricketing rise, blending rich tradition, iconic moments, and a unique atmosphere. From Sri Lanka’s first ODI triumph to world-record bowling spells, SSC remains the soul of Colombo cricket.
