Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is one of Sri Lanka’s prominent modern cricket venues and is located in Pallekele, in the Kandy area of Central Province. The stadium has become an important home venue for Sri Lankan cricket since opening in 2009 and has hosted Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and major global tournaments.
The venue is particularly recognizable for its scenic setting, with the hills around Kandy providing a distinctive backdrop. It was developed as part of Sri Lanka’s expansion of international cricket infrastructure ahead of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. The stadium subsequently hosted three World Cup matches in 2011 and nine matches during the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.
Today, Pallekele remains an important venue on Sri Lanka’s cricket calendar. Its international history includes matches involving teams such as India, Australia, Pakistan, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan. The ground has also hosted domestic and franchise competitions, including the Lanka Premier League.
This guide covers the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium capacity, location, pitch report, international matches, records, facilities, weather, nearby attractions and travel information.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Stadium Name | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Pallekele, Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Established | 2009 |
| Opening | 27 November 2009 |
| Capacity | 35,000 |
| Owner | Sri Lanka Cricket |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Major Formats | Test, ODI and T20I |
| Home Team | Sri Lanka |
| Ends | Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End |
| Time Zone | UTC+5:30 |
| Playing Area | Approximately 80m × 75m |
The current capacity is generally listed at 35,000 spectators by major cricket databases, while an ICC venue document from the stadium’s early development period listed 30,000. The Sri Lankan State Engineering Corporation currently describes the completed venue as having 35,000 seats.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Overview
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was developed to provide Sri Lanka with a modern international venue outside Colombo and to support the country’s hosting responsibilities for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The stadium was officially established in 2009, with international cricket following in 2010. Its first Test was played between Sri Lanka and West Indies from December 1–5, 2010. The venue’s first ODI followed on March 8, 2011, when New Zealand played Pakistan during the 2011 World Cup. Its first T20I was Sri Lanka against Australia on August 6, 2011.
The stadium is owned by Sri Lanka Cricket and was designed as a major international facility for the Kandy region. The State Engineering Corporation describes the completed project as having 35,000 seats, 10 centre pitches and 20 practice wickets outside the main playing area.
Pallekele also became an important venue during the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, when nine matches were played at the ground.
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Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Location
Where Is Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Pallekele, Kandy, Sri Lanka, in the Central Province. Pallekele is a suburb of Kandy, and the stadium is situated along the Kandy–Mahiyangane–Padiyatalawa highway. The location gives the venue a setting quite different from Sri Lanka’s coastal cricket grounds.
For cricket tourists, Kandy is the most useful major city to use as a base when visiting the stadium. The stadium’s surrounding landscape is one of its most recognizable characteristics. Mountains and greenery around the Kandy region provide a scenic background during matches, particularly when the weather is clear.
How to Reach Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
By Road
Road travel is the most practical way to reach the stadium. Visitors staying in Kandy can travel toward Pallekele using the main road network connecting Kandy with the eastern parts of the Central Province.
From Kandy
Because Pallekele is within the Kandy area, visitors staying in central Kandy can use taxis, private vehicles and local transport to travel toward the stadium.
Match-day traffic can be heavier than normal, so spectators should allow additional travel time.
From Bandaranaike International Airport
International visitors arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport generally need to travel overland toward Kandy before continuing to Pallekele. Because the airport is in the western part of Sri Lanka, the journey is considerably longer than traveling from Kandy itself.
Public Transportation
Local buses and other public transportation options connect Kandy and Pallekele. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should confirm match-day routes and schedules before leaving.
Taxi and Private Vehicle
Taxis, hired cars and private vehicles offer greater flexibility, particularly for groups or travelers carrying luggage. On major match days, arranging transportation in advance can be useful.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Capacity
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium capacity is approximately 35,000 spectators.
The venue was developed as a modern international cricket ground with permanent spectator seating, floodlights, practice facilities and dedicated areas for players and officials. The Sri Lankan State Engineering Corporation lists 35,000 seats along with 10 centre pitches and 20 external practice wickets.
The stadium also has two named ends:
- Hunnasgiriya End
- Rikillagaskada End
The ground is floodlit, allowing international cricket and T20 matches to be played in day-night conditions.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Pallekele pitch has produced a wide range of scores across different formats. Conditions can change according to the format, weather, surface preparation and stage of the match.
Historical venue statistics show that the ground has supported substantial first-innings totals in Tests while also producing high-scoring white-ball matches. Current statistical listings show an average first-innings score of 323 in Tests, 245 in ODIs and 167 in T20Is.
Pitch Characteristics
Batting Conditions
Pallekele can provide good opportunities for batsmen once they become accustomed to the surface. White-ball matches have produced several large totals, including Sri Lanka’s 381/3 against Afghanistan in an ODI and Australia’s 263/3 against Sri Lanka in a T20I.
Pace Bowling Conditions
Fast bowlers can find assistance with the new ball, particularly when there is movement through the air or from the surface. Bowling plans can become more difficult once the pitch settles and batting conditions improve.
Spin Bowling Conditions
Spin can become increasingly important as matches progress, especially in longer formats. Sri Lankan spinners have produced several notable performances at the venue.
Bounce and Movement
The exact amount of bounce and movement varies with the pitch preparation and weather. Therefore, a historical pitch profile should not be treated as a guarantee for every future match.
Is Pallekele a Batting or Bowling Pitch?
There is no single answer for every match.
Pallekele has produced both high-scoring batting performances and low team totals. In ODIs, for example, the current statistical record lists a highest total of 381/3 by Sri Lanka against Afghanistan, while Zimbabwe were dismissed for 70 against Sri Lanka in 2022.
In T20Is, Australia reached 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016, while New Zealand were bowled out for 88 against Sri Lanka in 2019.
This range demonstrates why match conditions matter more than simply calling Pallekele a batting or bowling venue.
Average Score at Pallekele Stadium
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score |
| Test | 323 | 317 |
| ODI | 245 | 204 |
| T20I | 167 | 146 |
These figures are venue statistics and can change as additional matches are played. Current Cricbuzz venue data lists nine Tests, 48 ODIs and 36 T20s in its database for Pallekele.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Weather Conditions
Pallekele’s location near Kandy means weather can play an important role in cricket conditions. The region experiences tropical weather, with humidity and rainfall capable of affecting match conditions. Cloud cover can help fast bowlers, while wet conditions can influence the outfield and ball.
Rain is particularly relevant when international and domestic competitions are scheduled during wetter periods. For visitors, comfortable clothing, rain protection and checking the forecast before traveling to the stadium are sensible precautions. Weather can also affect the pitch. A fresh surface following rain may behave differently from a dry surface used during a longer match.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium International Matches
Pallekele has hosted all three major men’s international formats.
Test Matches
- The first Test at Pallekele was Sri Lanka vs West Indies from December 1–5, 2010. The match marked the venue’s entry into Test cricket and made Pallekele the 104th ground to host a Test match.
- The venue has subsequently hosted Tests involving several international teams.
- Current venue statistics list nine Test matches at Pallekele.
- One notable Test statistic is Sri Lanka’s 648/8 against Bangladesh, which is listed as the highest team total at the venue in Test cricket. Pakistan also recorded a successful Test chase of 382/3 against Sri Lanka.
ODI Matches
- The first ODI at Pallekele was played on March 8, 2011, between New Zealand and Pakistan during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
- The stadium hosted three matches during the 2011 World Cup, adding an important chapter to its early international history.
- Current venue statistics list 48 ODIs, with Sri Lanka’s 381/3 against Afghanistan among the highest ODI totals at the ground.
T20 International Matches
- The first T20I at Pallekele was played between Sri Lanka and Australia on August 6, 2011.
- The venue later became an important T20 ground, including during the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.
- Current statistics list 36 T20Is at Pallekele.
- The stadium also hosted matches during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, adding another major global tournament to its history. Recent player records show Sri Lanka and visiting teams playing multiple T20 World Cup matches at Pallekele in February 2026.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Records
Pallekele has produced some remarkable individual and team performances.
Batting Records
| Format | Record | Performance |
| Test | Highest team total | Sri Lanka 648/8 vs Bangladesh |
| ODI | Highest team total | Sri Lanka 381/3 vs Afghanistan |
| ODI | Highest individual score | Pathum Nissanka 210* |
| T20I | Highest team total | Australia 263/3 vs Sri Lanka |
| T20I | Highest individual score | Glenn Maxwell 145* |
Current venue statistics list Pathum Nissanka’s 210 not out as the highest individual ODI score at Pallekele. Sri Lanka’s 381/3 against Afghanistan is the highest ODI team total listed by current venue statistics.
The 210* came against Afghanistan in February 2024, during an extraordinary Sri Lankan batting performance.
Kusal Mendis and Test Cricket
Kusal Mendis has also produced major performances at the venue. His 196 against Bangladesh in 2017 is among the notable individual Test innings recorded at Pallekele.
Bowling Records
| Format | Best Bowling Performance |
| ODI | Mitchell Johnson – 6/31 |
| T20I | Ajantha Mendis – 6/16 |
Mitchell Johnson’s 6/31 against Sri Lanka remains one of the most notable ODI bowling performances at the ground. Ajantha Mendis recorded 6/16 against Australia in a 2011 T20I.
Team Records
Some major Pallekele team records include:
- Test highest total: Sri Lanka 648/8 vs Bangladesh
- Test highest chase: Pakistan 382/3 vs Sri Lanka
- ODI highest total: Sri Lanka 381/3 vs Afghanistan
- ODI lowest total: Zimbabwe 70 vs Sri Lanka
- T20I highest total: Australia 263/3 vs Sri Lanka
- T20I lowest total: New Zealand 88 vs Sri Lanka
- T20I highest chase: Sri Lanka 184/2 vs Australia in 2026
Pallekele Stadium Famous Matches
2011 Cricket World Cup
The 2011 Cricket World Cup was one of the first major international events hosted at Pallekele. Three tournament matches were played at the venue, beginning with Pakistan vs New Zealand on March 8, 2011. The tournament helped establish Pallekele as an international cricket venue capable of hosting major global events.
2012 ICC World Twenty20
Pallekele played an even larger role during the 2012 ICC World Twenty20. Nine matches were held at the stadium during the tournament.
Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2016
One of the most memorable T20I matches at Pallekele came in September 2016. Australia scored 263/3, with Glenn Maxwell smashing 145 not out from 65 balls. Australia then restricted Sri Lanka to 178/9 to win by 85 runs. The innings included 14 fours and nine sixes. The match became famous for Australia’s extraordinary scoring rate and Maxwell’s spectacular innings.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 2024
Sri Lanka’s ODI against Afghanistan in February 2024 produced another major Pallekele record. Pathum Nissanka scored 210 not out, while Sri Lanka reached 381/3. The innings became one of the standout individual batting performances in the stadium’s ODI history.
T20 World Cup 2026
Pallekele also featured in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with matches involving teams including Sri Lanka, England, Australia, Pakistan and Oman. Recent match records show several tournament fixtures at the ground in February 2026.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and Sri Lanka Cricket
Pallekele has become an important part of Sri Lanka’s international cricket infrastructure. The venue gives Sri Lanka an international ground in the Kandy region and complements major venues such as Galle International Stadium and R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Its ability to host all three men’s international formats also makes it useful for bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
The ground has additionally hosted domestic cricket and franchise competitions. Current cricket listings identify Kandurata as a team associated with the venue, while Pallekele has also been used for Lanka Premier League fixtures.
Major Teams That Have Played at Pallekele
Over its international history, Pallekele has hosted many leading cricket nations.
| Team | International Cricket at Pallekele |
| Sri Lanka | Yes |
| India | Yes |
| Pakistan | Yes |
| Australia | Yes |
| England | Yes |
| Bangladesh | Yes |
| New Zealand | Yes |
| South Africa | Yes |
| West Indies | Yes |
| Afghanistan | Yes |
The venue’s international schedule has included bilateral series, World Cup matches, World Twenty20 fixtures and other ICC events.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Facilities
Pallekele was developed as a modern international cricket venue rather than simply a traditional local ground.
Spectator Seating
The stadium provides seating for approximately 35,000 spectators.
Floodlights
Floodlights allow the venue to host day-night international and T20 matches.
Practice Facilities
The stadium project includes 10 centre pitches and 20 practice wickets outside the main ground, providing substantial training infrastructure.
Dressing Rooms and Player Areas
As an international venue, the stadium includes dedicated areas for players, officials and support staff.
Media Facilities
International fixtures require dedicated media and broadcasting infrastructure for television, digital coverage and journalists.
Hospitality
Major fixtures generally include hospitality and premium spectator areas, although availability can vary according to the specific event.
Parking and Food
Match-day parking, refreshments and other spectator services can depend on the event organizer and stadium arrangements. Visitors should check the official match information before attending.
Security
International matches typically involve controlled entry and security checks. Spectators should follow the instructions printed on their tickets and issued by the event organizers.
Best Time to Visit Pallekele Stadium
The best time to visit depends on whether the priority is watching cricket or exploring the Kandy region. For cricket fans, the most practical option is to plan around an international or domestic match. For tourists, Kandy’s attractions can be combined with a stadium visit. Because rainfall can affect Central Province conditions, checking the weather forecast shortly before travel is recommended. A match-day visit also provides a different experience from visiting the area without a game, as the stadium becomes busier and transport demand increases.
Places to Visit Near Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Pallekele’s location near Kandy gives visitors access to several well-known attractions.
Kandy
Kandy is the main tourist centre in the area and is known for its cultural heritage, historic sites and surrounding hills.
Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known religious and cultural attractions and is located in central Kandy.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake sits close to the city’s historic centre and is a popular place for visitors to walk and explore.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya are another major attraction around Kandy and can be incorporated into a longer sightseeing itinerary.
Central Province
Travelers staying longer can also explore the wider Central Province, which is known for mountainous landscapes, tea-growing areas and cultural attractions.
Hotels Near Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Visitors have several accommodation choices in and around Kandy.
Budget Accommodation
Budget travelers can look for guesthouses, hostels and affordable hotels around Kandy and Pallekele.
Mid-Range Hotels
Mid-range properties around Kandy provide a balance between location, comfort and price.
Luxury Hotels
Kandy also has premium hotels and resorts, making it possible to combine a cricket trip with a more comfortable tourism experience. For major international matches, booking early is sensible because accommodation demand can increase around tournament dates.
Pallekele Stadium Match-Day Guide
Ticket Purchasing
Tickets should be purchased through the official ticketing channel announced for the particular match. Ticket availability and pricing can differ between international matches, tournaments and domestic competitions.
Entry Requirements
Spectators should carry their valid match ticket and any identification requested by the organizers.
What Can You Carry?
Prohibited items vary by event. Visitors should check the specific stadium or tournament regulations before traveling.
Arrival Time
Arriving early is useful for major matches because security checks and queues can take longer than on normal days.
Seating and Gates
The exact entrance gate and seating section should be checked against the ticket. Stadium arrangements can change between events.
Food and Drinks
Food and beverage facilities may be available inside the venue, although the range and rules can vary by event.
Transportation After the Match
Transport demand can increase sharply after international matches. Visitors using taxis or private transportation should plan their return journey in advance.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium vs Other Sri Lankan Stadiums
| Stadium | Location | Major Formats | Key Feature |
| Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Kandy | Test, ODI, T20I | Modern international venue |
| Galle International Stadium | Galle | Test, ODI, T20I | Historic coastal cricket venue |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo | Test, ODI, T20I | Major Colombo international venue |
| SSC Ground | Colombo | Test, ODI | Historic cricket ground |
Each venue has a different geographical setting and cricketing history. Pallekele stands out for its location around Kandy and its modern international infrastructure.
Conclusion
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s major international cricket venues since its establishment in 2009. Located in the Kandy region, the stadium combines a scenic Central Province setting with modern facilities and a 35,000-seat capacity.
Its international history includes the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2012 ICC World Twenty20 and 2026 T20 World Cup, while the ground has hosted Tests, ODIs and T20Is involving many of the world’s leading cricket teams. The venue has also produced memorable cricket records, from Pathum Nissanka’s 210* in ODI cricket to Glenn Maxwell’s 145* during Australia’s 263/3 T20I performance. For cricket fans visiting Sri Lanka, Pallekele offers more than an international cricket ground. Its proximity to Kandy makes it possible to combine a match with some of the region’s major cultural and tourist attractions.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Pallekele International Cricket Stadium located?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Pallekele, in the Kandy area of Sri Lanka’s Central Province.
Q2. What is the capacity of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The current commonly listed seating capacity is 35,000 spectators. The stadium’s early ICC venue documentation listed 30,000, while the completed project is currently described by Sri Lanka’s State Engineering Corporation as having 35,000 seats.
Q3. Is Pallekele Stadium in Kandy?
Yes. Pallekele is a suburb of Kandy, and the stadium is generally listed as a Kandy cricket venue.
Q4. What is the pitch like at Pallekele Stadium?
The pitch has produced both high-scoring matches and low totals. Historical statistics show substantial scoring in all three formats, so conditions should be assessed according to the specific match, weather and pitch preparation.
Q5. Is Pallekele Stadium good for batting?
The venue has produced several major batting performances, including Sri Lanka’s 381/3 in ODIs and Australia’s 263/3 in T20Is. However, the ground has also produced low team totals, meaning bowling can become highly effective under suitable conditions.
Q6. Which international matches are played at Pallekele?
Pallekele has hosted Tests, ODIs and T20Is, as well as matches in major ICC tournaments including the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2012 World Twenty20 and 2026 T20 World Cup.
