Pallekelle - a picturesque cricket ground

The Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium where the Second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia was played was a picture of beauty.

Taking in the action from the media box, one is greeted by the amazing Hantane Hills and in the background is the Hunasgiriya Hills. What a wonderful sight to behold as one watches King Cricket.

The ground and the surroundings with the playing area, the pavilion and the media box and the extra tents have all been well appointed. The Press Box can hold its own against the best that other Test playing countries can offer. The venue has floodlights too.

Kiriella first

The making of the Pallekelle Stadium was first mooted by Lakshman Kiriella when he was the Minister of Sport. But for inexplicable reasons, it ended as soon as it began and it was left to go into neglect.

When the International Cricket Council presented Sri Lanka with the opportunity to co host the World Cup with Bangladesh and India, it required that Sri Lanka Cricket look for new venues.

When the new Chairman of SLC former Sri Lanka leg spinning all rounder D. Somachandra de Silva took over, he had heard about the Pallekelle Stadium and his curiosity made him visit the site and see for himself. He was taken up by site and immediately set in motion the machinery for the rebuilding of this stadium to international class.

It took months to build. With everyone concerned with the building of the stadium putting their shoulders to the wheel, the work went on apace. And when World Cup match playing time came around, everything was completed and the park, the pavilion, the media box and its surroundings looked a pretty picture and it pleased the ICC big wigs.

Lot of cricket

Kandy is a city where a lot of cricket is played. It has given to the game here some of the most outstanding players of the calibre of Jack Anderson, C. Dharmalingam, Abdul Lafir, W. Premaratne, the Dorenagama brothers Saliya and Ranjit, the Joseph brothers Steven, Charlie and Michael, the Raj Brothers Michael and CPP, Bernard Perera, T.B. Kehelgamuwa, the Burke brothers Franklyn and Ralston, Malsiri Kurukulasuriya, Nimal Maralande, Mahes Gunatilleke, Ruwan Kalpage, Piyal Wijetunge, Sonny Yatawara, Himendra Ranaweera, Harinda Dunuwille, and of course the pride of Kandy: Muttiah Muralitheran and Kumar Sangakkara, are names that come to mind.

When Sri Lanka was admitted a full member of the ICC it required that more grounds be built. When Gamini Dissanayake an Old Trinitian took over the reins as President of the Cricket Board, he immediately set into motion to have the Trinity ground to international standard where Test cricket could be played.

But with Trinity College having a busy schedule of sport and requiring the ground for their sportsmen, playing international matches on the ground was becoming a bit difficult. But now with the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium coming into being, all problems have been solved.

The building of this stadium saw the improvement of the roads and other facilities and speaking to some of the residents here, they expressed their gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket and their wish was that this wonderful venue would not be allowed to go into neglect and that matches would be continued to be played here.

Lights at all venues

We are now in an era where Test cricket is played under lights if and when bad light intervenes. The International Cricket Council insists that all Test playing venues must have floodlighting.

When Sri Lanka played England in England recently, the Test matches were continued under lights when the normal playing light failed.

But cricket fans here in Pallekele were wondering as to why the lights were not switched on when the light was fading in the Second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Must have lights

The ICC rule states that every venue where Test matches have been slated to be played should have floodlighting. If one venue has and the others don’t, then playing under lights when bad light intervenes is out of the question. The stadium in Galle where the First Test was played did not have lights.

Here in Pallekelle Lights are available, but because there are no lights in Galle and where the Final Test will be played at the SSC also has no lights, the lights could not be switched on in Pallekelle.

Sri Lanka Cricket will have to move with the present trends and ensure that where Test matches flood lights go with the terrain.

Bangladesh sack Captain, Vice Captain

When Bangladesh lost to Zimbabwe who were making their appearance in big time cricket after facing a suspension, it was unpalatable to their cricket crazy fans who were at the airport to greet the cricketers with broomsticks.

Now the Bangladesh Cricket Board with pressure mounting on them have acted and decided to sack Captain Shakib Al Hassan and Vice Captain Tamim Iqbal. Hassan and Iqbal have been their top players. But in today’s highly professionalised game, failures become outcasts. And the Captain and Vice Captain have suffered.

When a team fails it is unfair to axe the Captain and Vice Captain. in order to appease the broom-stick wielding cricket fans. It is hoped that this will not be the last that we see or hear of Hassan and Iqbal. They are two out of the ordinary cricketers and though stripped from their posts, must not be lost to the game.

Edirisinghe passes away

One of the finest ruggerites to come out of the Green, White and Green School - St. Benedict’s College Lalith Edirisinghe passed away and was laid to rest on Monday. A large gathering of old boys and some of his team mates were there to pay their last respects.

At the time of his death he was Chief Inspector of Police. He played for the school from 1969 to 1972. He joined the Police and played in many of their champion teams.

May the turf lie lightly over him.

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