There’s great news for cricket fans regarding the two-Test series between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has announced that spectators will not be charged any entry fee for both matches. This means fans will be able to enter the stadium for free and witness the thrill of Test cricket between India and Sri Lanka.
This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 and is considered crucial for both teams. The first match of the series will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15th. The two teams will then play the second Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo from August 23rd.
Why did SLC decide on free entry?
Sri Lanka Cricket has attempted to attract more cricket fans to the stadium through its decision. The Board has appealed to the country’s cricket fans, young players, and families to take advantage of this opportunity.
In fact, in recent years, the number of spectators during Test matches in Sri Lanka has been low, with stadium stands seen empty in many matches. In such a situation, the decision to allow free entry is expected to attract more spectators to the ground this time.
India and Sri Lanka’s position in the WTC
The Indian team is currently ranked fifth in the World Test Championship standings, while Sri Lanka is sixth. The Sri Lanka tour is also important for India because the results here can directly impact the race for the WTC final.
The Indian team previously played a Test match against Afghanistan in June. Now, the team will look to strengthen its position by performing better in the two matches against Sri Lanka.
Know the India-Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule
First Test: August 15-19, 2026, Galle International Cricket Stadium
Second Test: August 23-27, 2026, SSC, Colombo
India achieved a clean sweep in 2017
India’s last Test tour of Sri Lanka took place in 2017. The Indian team defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match series. India won the first Test at Galle by 304 runs, followed by an innings and 53 runs in Colombo and an innings and 171 runs victory in the Pallekele Test.