Ratnapura District Cricket Ground is a cricket venue in Monaravila, Sri Lanka, that officially commenced its T20 cricketing history in 2024.

The stadium was declared open on 30 March 2024, featuring attendance from Sri Lanka Cricket executives and national players including Sanath Jayasuriya, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Financed through the National Development Pathway Programme, the ground is designed to host first-class, under-19, and domestic club matches.

Overview

The Ratnapura District Cricket Ground is a cricket stadium located in Monaravila, within the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. The venue serves as a key facility for domestic cricket in the region, designed to accommodate various levels of play including first-class games, under-19 matches, and domestic club competitions. The development of the ground was financed by Sri Lanka Cricket through its National Development Pathway Programme, aiming to enhance infrastructure for emerging talent and local teams.

The stadium was officially declared open on 30 March 2024. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the Sri Lankan cricketing community. Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee members were present, alongside officials from the Ratnapura District Cricket Association and the Uva Province Cricket Association. The event also featured former Sri Lankan international cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, as well as current national team players Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

As of the provided data, the Ratnapura District Cricket Ground hosted its first T20 match in 2024. Detailed statistical records for individual player performances, team totals, and specific match outcomes at this venue are not fully captured in the available source material. Consequently, specific records such as the highest team total, lowest team total, or highest individual score at the ground remain to be documented in the current dataset. The ground's role in the mixed league structure of Sri Lankan domestic cricket continues to evolve as more matches are played at the Monaravila venue.

Venue Profile

The Ratnapura District Cricket Ground is a cricket stadium located in Monaravila, within the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. The venue was officially declared open on 30 March 2024. The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee, officials from the Ratnapura District Cricket Association, and representatives of the Uva Province Cricket Association. The event also featured the presence of former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, alongside current national team players Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

The infrastructure of the Ratnapura District Cricket Ground was developed to accommodate a variety of cricket formats. The stadium is built with adequate capacity to host first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, and domestic club matches. This multi-format capability positions the venue as a key asset for the regional development of cricket in Sri Lanka, allowing for seamless transitions between longer formats and shorter domestic fixtures.

The construction and development of the ground project were financed by Sri Lanka Cricket. The funding was channeled through the organization's National Development Pathway Programme, highlighting the strategic importance of the venue in the broader infrastructure plan for Sri Lankan cricket. As of its opening in 2024, the ground has begun to serve as a home for domestic competitions, with the first T20 match recorded at the venue in the same year. The availability of specific statistical records, such as highest team totals or individual batting milestones, is currently limited due to the venue's recent introduction to the T20 calendar. Detailed head-to-head matchups and comprehensive statistical breakdowns will continue to accumulate as more matches are played at the Monaravila venue in subsequent seasons.

Construction and Development

The Ratnapura District Cricket Ground is a cricket stadium located in Monaravila, within the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. The venue was officially declared open on 30 March 2024. The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee, officials from the Ratnapura District Cricket Association and the Uva Province Cricket Association, and former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya. Current Sri Lankan national cricketers Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga were also present at the opening event.

The development of the stadium was financed by Sri Lanka Cricket through its National Development Pathway Programme. Construction of the ground began on 26 February 2021. The project was executed in two distinct phases. The first phase concluded around April 2021 with a budget of 40 million rupees. This initial stage included the development of a playground, turf, drainage systems, and water tanks.

The second phase of construction carried a budget of 350 million rupees. This phase featured the addition of a pavilion, spectator stands, and practice grounds. The stadium is built with an adequate capacity to host first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, and domestic club matches. The first T20 match at the venue was played in 2024.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The Ratnapura District Cricket Ground features extensive infrastructure designed to support cricket development at multiple levels. The facility includes seven center turf wickets, five side turf wickets, and two concrete wickets. These amenities allow the ground to host first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, and domestic club matches. The stadium serves schools and clubs in the Ratnapura District and the wider Sabaragamuwa Province. It is the 11th district cricket ground inaugurated by Sri Lanka Cricket, part of a program covering all 25 districts. The ground project was financed by Sri Lanka Cricket through its National Development Pathway Programme.

What is the capacity of Ratnapura District Cricket Ground?

The Ratnapura District Cricket Ground, located in Monaravila, Sri Lanka, was officially declared open on 30 March 2024. The inauguration ceremony featured the presence of Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee members, officials from the Ratnapura District Cricket Association and the Uva Province Cricket Association, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, and current national team players Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Regarding stadium capacity, available sources indicate that the venue is built with an adequate capacity to host first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, and domestic club matches. However, a specific numerical figure for the total spectator capacity is not explicitly specified in the cited records. The ground project was financed by Sri Lanka Cricket through its National Development Pathway Programme.

As of 2024, the venue has been utilized for T20 matches, marking its entry into the T20 calendar. Detailed statistical records regarding highest team totals, lowest team totals, or individual batting and bowling records at this specific venue are not yet captured in the available data. Consequently, specific match scores, player performances, or tournament outcomes associated with the Ratnapura District Cricket Ground remain to be documented in the current dataset.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Ratnapura District Cricket Ground located?

The venue is located in Monaravila, within the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka.

When was the Ratnapura District Cricket Ground officially opened?

The ground was officially declared open on 30 March 2024.

Who attended the opening ceremony of the stadium?

The opening ceremony featured Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee members, officials from the Ratnapura District Cricket Association and Uva Province Cricket Association, former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, and current national cricketers Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

What is the funding source for the stadium's construction?

The ground project was financed by Sri Lanka Cricket through its National Development Pathway Programme.

What types of matches can the stadium host?

The stadium has the capacity to host first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, and domestic club matches.

Summary

Ratnapura District Cricket Ground is situated in Monaravila, Sri Lanka. It was officially opened on 30 March 2024, marking the start of its tenure as a venue for T20 cricket. The facility was developed under the Sri Lanka Cricket National Development Pathway Programme.

See also