Colombo, Jan 2 (NationPress) Could India be gearing up for a Pink Ball Day/Night Test during their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka Cricket is setting the stage for a significant advancement in the country’s cricket narrative by planning to host Day-Night Test matches at the renowned Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, according to a report released on Friday.

The installation of floodlights at the Sinhalese Sports Club has been completed, with SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda stating that the initiative extends beyond the immediate requirements of the approaching T20 World Cup, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

The report indicates that SLC has invested Rs. 1.8 billion in the floodlight project, as the SSC is set to host five matches of this prestigious tournament. Other venues for the event will include the Pallekele International Stadium and the R. Premadasa Stadium.

During a media tour to announce the project, Godaliyadda expressed that the long-term goal is for SSC to eventually host Day-Night Test matches. Although Pink-Ball games have gained popularity worldwide in recent years, Sri Lanka has yet to hold one at home, and indications suggest that SSC will be the site of the nation’s inaugural Day/Night Test.

The SSC ground will be leased to SLC for a specified number of days annually for training and matches, as part of the agreement aimed at enhancing the facility.

In addition to the floodlights, the initial phase of development involved upgrades to dressing rooms and the addition of a new VIP viewing area. A second phase, commencing after the World Cup, will aim to increase the venue's capacity. SLC envisions transforming SSC into a 30,000-seat stadium, a move believed to bolster Sri Lanka’s position when bidding for future ICC events, including women’s and Under-19 tournaments.

The SSC celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and has witnessed many pivotal moments in Sri Lankan cricket history. The ground was part of the 1996 World Cup and hosted the remarkable world-record partnership of 624 runs between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006.

Along with SSC, the Colombo Cricket Club Ground across the road and the P. Sara Oval are also undergoing enhancements, as reported.

SLC is simultaneously advancing plans to construct a new international-standard cricket venue in Jaffna and has identified other potential sites for future facilities, reflecting the rising demand for international cricket infrastructure.