It is my last day in the Sri Lanka. As the sun sets on my vacation, I am preparing to go back with beautiful memories. But also with an unfulfilled dream. A dream to watch Test cricket in Galle. I visited the Galle cricket stadium, which lived to it's reputation of being one of the most scenic grounds. Not just that, with the Galle Fort watching over, there was a feeling of serendipity as I stood beyond the boundary line.
The other cricket grounds are still far from my checked list of places to see in Sri Lanka. As well as the libraries where I can get the rare collection of cricket books.
I love collecting cricket books, reading about the history of the game and visiting cricket stadiums across the world. I believe cricket, culture and community go together and this is my way of connecting with the game.
I somehow manage to sneak in some time before my flight. Colombo is hot and humid. Slightly busy too. But that doesn’t deter me from taking a ride to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) cricket ground. I go with the anticipation of seeing the iconic ground which is referred to as the ‘Lord’s of Sri Lanka’ and has hosted landmark matches, such as Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test in 1984.
The stadium also has been part of Sri Lanka cricket folklore with Chaminda Vaas claiming a world record by taking 8 wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in an ODI, the best bowling figures in Men’s ODI history.
The Entrance
I am paying my Tuk Tuk driver when I notice a big entrance just adjacent to the stadium entrance that reads “Sri Lanka Cricket Museum”. A Museum? When all I want to see is the iconic stadium.
Curiosity takes over. I ask the guard if it is open to visitors when I am punctuated by a person who emerges from the entry gate. He nods in agreement and allows me after paying an entry fee. As I open the gate and take the first step, I feel a shift in energy. This place breathes cricket.
I have been to World Cup games. I have also been to a World Cup Final in Ahmedabad. Being in a stadium with thousand of fans is a pulsating experience. But this, this is different. This feels a tad more personal.
At the entrance, I am greeted with a timeline of Sri Lanka cricket. This reminds me of all the glorious and defining moments in Sri Lanka’s cricket history. A wonderful reminder of all that Srilanka cricket has achieved in a short span of time. As I move in, the memorabilia, photos and artifacts start weaving their magic. Every frame tells a story. The Srilanka team jersey reminds us of the sacrifices and hardwork that goes behind wearing it. The museum celebrates Sri Lankan cricket in its most purest form.
World Cup (s)
I stand in awe and try to gather my emotions. Is this the Trophy that Ranatunga and his men lifted in 1996? The T20 World Cup 2014 Trophy also stands there in all its glory. The two World Cup victories have contributed immensely towards shaping Sri Lanka cricket.
The museum was opened in 2019. It is thoughtfully designed with prominence given to the hallmark achievements of Sri Lanka Cricket. The two World Cup Trophies take the center stage, obviously.
‘96 Champs’ and T20 Victors’ are the designated sections. They house the winning trophy, tournament jersey, match scorecard, photographs and a framed cricket bat duly signed by the members of squad of the respective tournaments. I am immersed as I move around and have a subtle smile pasted on my face.
I see the scorecards of the World Cup Final (s) which Sri Lanka won. It is nostalgic to revisit them with flashes of visuals appearing in front of my eyes as I walk past them. The 2014 one touches a raw nerve as Dhoni and his men were on the other side of it.
The picture collage take you down the memory lane. You actually acknowledge how much Sri Lanka cricket has achieved in such a short span of time.
Realizing I am from India, the manager guides me towards the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. India and Sri Lanka were joint winners and had to share the trophy.
Cheeky.
Hall of Fame
The Half of Fame Board is a thoughtful addition. While I am going through the Hall of Fame Board, I am amazed by the quality of cricketers Sri Lanka has produced. As of March 2025, a total of 167 players have represented Sri Lanka in Test cricket since they gained Test status in 1981.
The human names etched on this wooden board is a great addition to honour the legacy of Sri Lanka cricket stalwarts. The younger generation have an identity to take inspiration from, inculcating a robust sporting culture in the country.
I am fortunate the museum doesn’t have many visitors. Just one, to be precise. It allows me to read in peace and go through the tiny details. I am also able to document each moment properly.
As fate has it, I am unable to visit the SSC Ground. An ODI Tri-Series between IND-W, SA-W and SL-W is scheduled there and permission isn’t granted, unless I buy the match ticket.
I don’t see the point in that. I fail to visit the other grounds as I have run out of time, most of which was taken up by the museum (no regrets).
I hope to come back soon. There is so much more to see and explore here. And with the T20 world Cup next year scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, it is a good opportunity to experience cricket in this beautiful country.
My belief is stronger than ever. This is a country that loves cricket and its cricketers. As I bid goodbye to Sri Lanka, I hope they will rise and reclaim their lost glory. A new leader would emerge. A new dawn would surface for Sri Lanka cricket. Cricket fans are waiting for it.
Details
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Timings: 9 am - 5 pm (Monday-Saturday)
Entry Fees - 500 LKR*
*They charged me 500/- LKR per person, but charged a local less. There is no official information on the pricing.
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