Galle International Cricket Stadium
One of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world, set beside Galle Fort with the ramparts and sea as a backdrop, famous for its spin-friendly Test matches.
Just beside Galle Fort, with the Indian Ocean visible on two sides and the fort's 16th century Dutch clock tower rising behind the stands, Galle International Stadium holds a fair claim to being the most scenic cricket ground anywhere in the world. The site began life in 1876 as a horse racing course, known simply as the Esplanade, and it wasn't until 1927 that racing gave way entirely to cricket, the ground officially declared a cricket stadium that year, decades before it ever hosted international competition.
A turf wicket arrived in 1945 under the guidance of Dhanapala Lorensu Hewa, then secretary of the Galle Cricket Ground, and the stadium's true international chapter opened on 3 June 1998, when Sri Lanka faced New Zealand in the venue's first Test match, winning by an innings and 16 runs. What followed were genuinely historic performances, Shane Warne's 500th Test wicket in 2004, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara's record breaking partnership of 624 runs in 2006, and Muttiah Muralitharan taking more Test wickets at this single venue than any bowler has managed anywhere else in the world.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck Galle directly, submerging the entire ground and throwing the stadium's future into genuine doubt, but international cricketing figures including Shane Warne and Sir Ian Botham backed fundraising efforts that saw it fully rebuilt, reopening in December 2007 with a Test match against England. Muralitharan's own career came full circle here too, his very last Test in 2010 saw him dismiss Sachin Tendulkar to reach his historic 800th wicket, right on the ground where his legend was largely built, cementing Galle's reputation as one of the luckiest, and most storied, home venues in Sri Lankan cricket.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free to view from the ramparts, ticket on match days
- Opening hours: Match days and daylight hours
- Time needed: 30 minutes to a full day
- Best time: During a Test match, or any clear afternoon from the fort
Getting there
Right beside Galle Fort in the centre of town.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Galle International Cricket Stadium?
- Free to view from the ramparts, ticket on match days.
- What are the opening hours at Galle International Cricket Stadium?
- Match days and daylight hours.
- How long should I spend at Galle International Cricket Stadium?
- Plan for 30 minutes to a full day.
- When is the best time to visit Galle International Cricket Stadium?
- During a Test match, or any clear afternoon from the fort.
- How do I get to Galle International Cricket Stadium?
- Right beside Galle Fort in the centre of town.