Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Venue Gets Major Upgrade

One of the venues set to host Pakistan at the upcoming T20 World Cup has received a major facelift, with Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground finally getting floodlights installed.

The upgrade will allow the venue to stage day-night international cricket for the first time in its 75-year history.

The new upgrade were showcased in a ceremonial event at the ground, where Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya faced the first ball under the newly switched-on lights. The inauguration was carried out by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, with Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka delivering the first ball of the occasion to Jayasuriya.

Sri Lankan cricket great Sanath Jayasuriya faced the first ball under the newly installed floodlights at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone for the iconic Colombo venue.

The floodlights were officially opened by Sports Minister… pic.twitter.com/2ruGzzVMmt

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The upgrade is being seen as a significant moment in the club’s long history, as the SSC approaches 75 years since its establishment. With the addition of floodlights, the venue becomes Sri Lanka’s fifth international stadium equipped to host day-night matches.

SSC is scheduled to play a key role in the T20 World Cup 2026, hosting five matches in the tournament. The ground will be in action from the opening day, starting with Pakistan vs Netherlands on February 7.

Apart from the match against India, Pakistan will play all their remaining group matches, including the warm-up game against Ireland on February 4, at this venue.

With this development, SSC now joins the list of Sri Lankan venues already capable of hosting night international fixtures, including Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Pallekele (Kandy), Rangiri Dambulla (Dambulla), and Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium (Hambantota).