![Colombo stadium to get a makeover [Source: @Cricket_TS/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1764157044982_SSC_Colombo_Sri_Lanka_T20_World_Cup.jpg?type=hq)
Colombo stadium to get a makeover [Source: @Cricket_TS/X.com]
Sri Lanka’s famous Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo is set to receive floodlights and major upgrades ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka will co-host the event with India in February and March next year.
This move marks an important step for Sri Lankan cricket, as it will allow the historic venue to host more day-night matches in the future.
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Sri Lanka begin preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026
Until now, most day-night international matches in Colombo have been played at the R Premadasa Stadium, also known as Khettarama.
The SSC Ground, while rich in history, has mostly hosted daytime matches, especially in women’s cricket and domestic games.
With the installation of floodlights, the ground will finally be able to host evening games during the T20 World Cup.
The first match at SSC that will require floodlights is the Group B clash between Oman and Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM local time on February 9.
In total, SSC is set to host five matches during the tournament. The first match at the venue will be between the Netherlands and Pakistan on February 7 at 11:00 AM, while the match between Pakistan and the USA on February 10 will be the only one to start at 7:00 PM under full lights.
Meanwhile, R Premadasa Stadium will remain the main venue in Colombo. It is expected to host at least eight matches and could also stage the first semi-final and final if Pakistan progresses far in the tournament.
Pallekele, the only Sri Lankan venue outside Colombo, will host seven matches.
The addition of floodlights at SSC could have long-term benefits for Sri Lankan cricket. It will make day-night Test matches possible in the country, something that has never been done before.
T20 World Cup 2026 schedule out
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, jointly hosted by BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket across India and Sri Lanka.
Eight stadiums, five in India and three in Sri Lanka, will stage matches, including group games, Super Eight rounds, and knockout matches.
The final is expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. 20 teams will participate, making the tournament wide and unpredictable.
