The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRIC Stadium) is the newest and most modern cricket stadium in Sri Lanka. This stadium, located in Hambantota, Sooriyawewa, Sri Lanka, in the southern part of the country, was built specifically to provide an opportunity for a less developed part of the country to play international cricket and in order to promote tourism and infrastructure. The construction of stadium has been named after Mahinda Rajapaksa, the then President of Sri Lanka.
Basic Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Name | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, Sri Lanka |
| Established | 2011 |
| Capacity | 35,000 (expandable to 60,000) |
| Named After | Mahinda Rajapaksa |
| Owner | Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) |
| Operator | Sri Lanka Cricket |
| End Names | Thanamalwila End, Walasmulla End |
| Floodlights | Yes (for day-night matches) |
| Coordinates | 6°7′31″N 81°8′5″E |
History and Purpose of the Stadium
The civil war ended, and after the end of the war, Sri Lanka embarked on a development drive, building in the Hambantota region, on which this stadium is built. The aim was to bring the southern part of the island and act as a hub of sports, tourism, and infrastructure.
Beginning in 2011, matches were played at the stadium during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, when the stadium was officially opened. In a series of international matches in the ODI and T20I formats, though, it has hosted since then.
Key Milestones
| Year | Event |
| 2011 | Official opening of the stadium |
| 2011 | Hosted two World Cup matches |
| 2012 | Hosted T20 Internationals during the Pakistan tour |
| 2013 | Hosted matches during South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka |
It can be expanded to a capacity of 60,000 in the future and could be suitable for holding major finals and tournaments.
International Matches Hosted
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
| First ODI | 20 February 2011 – Sri Lanka vs Canada (World Cup) |
| Last ODI | 14 June 2023 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan |
| Total ODIs | 30+ |
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
| First T20I | 1 June 2012 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan |
| Last T20I | 7 September 2019 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand |
| Total T20Is | 10+ |
The stadium has not yet staged a Test match because it is more suited to white ball formats.
Women’s Matches
While the stadium is yet to host WODIS and WT20IS, cricket for women is gradually growing in Sri Lanka, and such games are likely to come there in the future.
Features and Facilities
It is known to have a world-class design and modern facilities.
| Feature | Description |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 (expandable to 60,000) |
| Pavilion End Names | Thanamalwila End, Walasmulla End |
| Player Facilities | Spacious dressing rooms, recovery areas |
| Press Box | Modern media center with all facilities |
| Floodlights | For hosting day-night matches |
| VIP Boxes | Luxurious viewing boxes with air conditioning |
| Parking | Space for thousands of vehicles |
| Scoreboards | Giant digital screens for live replays |
Pitch and Ground Conditions
Generally, MRIC Stadium is fair to the batsmen. But spinners are also helped in the second innings. The outfield is fast and lush green, and most beautiful for high-quality cricket.
| Pitch Nature | Flat, good for batting |
| Spin Support | Assists spin in later overs/middle innings |
| Outfield | Very fast, well-maintained |
| Weather | Hot and dry, rain is less common compared to Colombo |
Cricket can be played well in Hambantota because of its climate, as it is much less humid than other parts of Sri Lanka, and it is a good location in which to schedule matches in the rain, which are held in other parts of the country.
Role in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Notable For |
| Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium | Hambantota | 35,000 | Modern design, future expansion to 60,000 |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo | 35,000 | Historic records, home of SL cricket |
| Galle International Stadium | Galle | 18,000 | Ocean view, Test cricket |
| Pallekele International Stadium | Kandy | 35,000 | Cool climate, day-night matches |
- Two matches were played in the 2011 ICC World Cup at the stadium.
- Sri Lanka vs Canada – Opening match at this venue
- Pakistan vs Kenya – A high-scoring encounter
- However, this brought international focus to the stadium and built it as a strong cricket venue in Sri Lanka.
Stadium Comparison with Others
MRIC Stadium is already among the best cricket venues when it comes to both the venue and stadium facilities. The expansion plan of the stadium is one of the most ambitious cricket projects to come in South Asia.
Famous Matches at MRIC Stadium
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – 2012 T20I Series
- The bowling performances and close finishes were good memories of this series.
- Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – 2023 ODI
- It also staged a crucial match in this stunning series, during which Sri Lanka fought a hard battle to defend a low score.
- Pakistan vs Kenya – 2011 World Cup
- Pakistan put up an all-out batting show for the fans.
Controversies and Criticism
- The stadium is completely built, but there have been criticisms about it:
- Distance from Colombo: The long gaps between matches come about through its distance away from Colombo.
- Fewer player games and a lot higher maintenance cost: extremely expensive to sustain with fewer regular games.
- Needs better roads and transport options for fans and tourists.
- However, the government and Sri Lanka Cricket have assured they would use it in the future for other sports as well as for cricket.
Future Plans
In future, the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is being looked at for:
- The place is more likely to host more domestic and the Lanka Premier League (LPL) matches
- Organizing cultural events and concerts
- Accordingly, the stadium will expand by another 60,000 seats and will become South Asia’s largest cricket stadium
- Making training academies and cricket camps for youth.
- And these steps can move the stadium from a sports venue into a sports city.
Importance to the Region
- The stadium symbolised development for the southern part of Sri Lanka in general. It has brought:
- Jobs during construction and operation
- More hotels, restaurants, and transport
- Better recognition for Hambantota
- It is also contributing to a growing interest in cricket with local youth having a long-shot dream of playing for Sri Lanka one day.
Local Impact Table
| Area | Benefit |
| Tourism | Visitors come for matches and explore nearby attractions |
| Economy | Boosts hotels, transport, and shops |
| Employment | Job creation in the stadium and surrounding services |
| Youth Development | More cricket coaching and sports training |
Conclusion
Located just a bit southwest of Dambulla, the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is a beautiful and modern cricket ground where the country aims to introduce the game of international sports to its citizens.
Despite that, the potential of this stadium is big. Although it is still gaining in popularity and usage. If they plan and support better, then it will soon become one of the most crucial cricket stadiums in Asia.
FAQs
Q1. What is the location of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
It is situated in Sooriyawewa, the town of Hambantota, in the south of Sri Lanka.
Q2. How many people can be seated in the stadium?
It accommodates 35,000 seats, although it can seat 60,000.
Q3. When was the stadium opened?
Ans: However, before the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, it was officially opened.
Q4. Has it hosted Test matches?
Ans: However, it has only held ODIs and T20Is.
Q5. Why was the stadium built?
Ans: So that Sri Lanka could develop the southern region and encourage sports in the island.
