Asgiriya Cricket Ground

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to own a world-class cricket ground? Here at Asgiriya Cricket Ground, you’re standing on land owned by Trinity College, Kandy. It’s a unique situation, the only Test-class cricket stadium in the world managed by a secondary school. Asgiriya Cricket Ground isn’t just a place for seasoned pros. It’s a training ground for future stars. Players like Kumar Sangakkara, a Trinity College alumnus, honed their skills right here on this very pitch. Imagine him as a schoolboy, practicing his cover drive under the watchful eye of the Hanthana mountains. Asgiriya’s history is intertwined with Sri Lankan cricket’s rise. In the early 1980s, the stadium underwent a rapid 150-day transformation spearheaded by Gamini Dissanayake. He was a Trinity College alumnus himself. This upgrade made Asgiriya Sri Lanka’s second Test venue, hosting its first international match against Australia in 1983. Asgiriya hosted many memorable matches, including a 1996 World Cup clash. Sri Lanka set a then-world record score of 398 against Kenya. The stadium continued to host Test matches until 2007. The final Test saw Muttiah Muralitharan break Shane Warne’s record to become the leading Test wicket-taker. Although international cricket has shifted to the newer Pallekele Stadium, Asgiriya Cricket Ground remains. It stands as a testament to its rich history. It reminds us of the unique connection between a school and the sport of cricket. Its stunning mountain backdrop makes it one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world.