The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, opened in 2011 and is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the country, with a seating capacity of 35,000. The ground is known for its vast boundaries and offers a balanced pitch that assists both fast bowlers and spinners. Despite facing challenges with crowd attendance, it has hosted several international matches, including ODIs and T20Is. The stadium is part of a larger sports complex and is also used for other sporting events.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (commonly known as MRIC Stadium), located in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, is one of the major cricket venues in the country. Named after Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the stadium was opened in 2011 and is situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka, approximately 240 kilometers from Colombo.
Key Features of Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium:
- Capacity: The stadium has a seating capacity of around 35,000 spectators, making it one of the larger stadiums in Sri Lanka. It is equipped with modern amenities and facilities for both players and spectators.
- Pitch and Conditions: The pitch at MRIC Stadium is generally known for being batsman-friendly, offering good bounce and carry. However, like many coastal grounds, the conditions can be affected by the humidity and wind from the nearby Indian Ocean, which sometimes makes it a challenging venue for both batsmen and bowlers.
- Bowler’s Advantage: Early on, pacers can get some swing due to the humid conditions, and as the game progresses, spinners may come into play, particularly in longer formats like Tests and ODIs.
- Weather Conditions: The weather in Hambantota can be hot and humid, with the potential for rain during the monsoon season, which sometimes leads to interruptions in matches.
- Boundary Dimensions: The boundary length at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium varies but generally falls within the typical international range:
- Straight boundaries are around 70 meters.
- Square boundaries tend to be a bit shorter, usually around 60 to 65 meters.
- International Matches: Despite being a relatively newer stadium, it has hosted several high-profile international matches, including ODIs, T20s, and Tests. The stadium has also been a venue for Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket competitions.
- Modern Infrastructure: The stadium was designed with modern facilities, including high-quality floodlights, a large media center, and hospitality suites, making it suitable for high-profile international tournaments.
- Location and Accessibility: The stadium is located near the coastal town of Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka, which is a developing region. It was built with the idea of promoting the sport in this part of the country. However, its remote location has meant that it has not hosted as many matches compared to the more prominent venues in Colombo or Kandy.
- Significance: The MRIC Stadium was constructed as part of Sri Lanka’s effort to promote cricket in all regions of the country and is one of the flagship stadiums in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It is also seen as a key venue for the future of Sri Lankan cricket, helping to develop the sport outside the major cities.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is a modern, well-equipped venue that plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s cricket landscape, particularly in the southern region. Though it has faced challenges in terms of match frequency due to its location, it remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s cricket infrastructure.
History and Criticism
The stadium at Sooriyawewa was proposed as part of a government initiative to develop sports in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, aiming to transform Hambantota into a key urban hub. It hosted its first international match during the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where Sri Lanka defeated Canada by 210 runs. The venue has since staged three matches of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 and the inaugural Lanka Premier League in 2020. Ravi Dissanayake serves as its curator, and Colonel Shanaka Ratnayake is the manager.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium has faced criticism for low usage and high maintenance costs, being labeled a “white elephant.” Located in a rural area, it has hosted limited matches, with opposition parties accusing the previous government of concealing its actual construction costs. Efforts to generate revenue include hosting weddings and proposing its use as a training facility. By 2016, inspections revealed significant neglect of infrastructure, with deteriorating walls, furniture, and equipment, prompting calls for restoration.
Boundary Lengths
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota has boundary lengths that vary between 65 to 75 meters. The stadium is known for its large outfield, which can make it challenging for batsmen to hit boundaries. The ground is designed to accommodate international cricket events and has hosted several One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches.
Pitch Characteristics
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota features a pitch known for its pace and bounce, offering assistance to both fast bowlers and spinners. The ground has a reputation for producing relatively flat wickets that favor batsmen, but it can also offer some turn for spinners as the match progresses. The large boundaries and consistent weather conditions make it a challenging yet rewarding venue for all formats of the game.
Lanka Premier League
The 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) was initially planned for Kandy, Dambulla, and Hambantota. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 23 matches were centralized at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, following health officials’ guidance. The venue also hosted the playoffs of the 2021 LPL.
World Cup Cricket
The stadium was a host for two matches during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, showcasing its international cricketing credentials.
| ODIs | Details |
|---|---|
| First ODI | Sri Lanka vs Canada – February 20, 2011 |
| Last ODI | Afghanistan vs Pakistan – August 24, 2023 |
| T20I Matches | Details |
|---|---|
| First T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – June 01, 2012 |
| Last T20I | South Africa vs Sri Lanka – August 06, 2013 |
| T20Is | Match |
|---|---|
| First T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – June 01, 2012 |
| Last T20I | South Africa vs Sri Lanka – August 06, 2013 |