T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka's SSC ground to get floodlights

Published - 26 Nov 2025, 18:08 IST | Updated - 26 Nov 2025, 18:08 IST

Floodlights and other modifications are all set to be added to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo ahead of next year's T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka are co-hosts along with India in the 20-team tournament, scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8.

There have been several women's international matches played at the venue previously. These have been daytime white-ball matches. Colombo's day-night matches have majorly gone to the R Premadasa Stadium, the stadium with the highest capacity in the island nation.

The SSC will host five matches at the mega event, starting with the Netherlands-Pakistan clash on February 7 followed by Group B fixture between Oman and Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to commence on February 9 at 3 pm local time.

The only match which will start at 7 pm local time will be the Pakistan-USA clash on February 10. On the other hand, the Khettarama is set to play host to a minimum of eight games. The first semi-final and final might also be played there if Pakistan make it to the respectiive stages. Pallekele will host seven matches.

The installation of floodlights at the SSC will create fresh possibilities for cricket in Sri Lanka. This comes after day-night Tests played with the pink ball are becoming increasingly practical. Though Khettarama is Colombo’s primary hub in terms of limited-overs cricket, the SSC and P Sara Oval are set to remain the Sri Lanka Cricket's Test venues of choice.

The island nation has never played host to a day-night game. However, the Lankans' Test skippers have been demanding to arrange a fixture since a long time. As per ESPNcricinfo, the SLC has already confirmed that the installation of floodlights is underway.

T20 WC 2026 fixtures announced, IND vs PAK clash on FEB 15

The 20-team tournament will run across five venues in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Sri Lanka, Chennai) in addition to the three in Sri Lanka (two in Colombo and one in Kandy). The tournament which will take place next year will be the first time India and Sri Lanka will be co-hosting the mega event.