Sri Lanka Cricket Offers Free Entry to Fans for Upcoming Two-Match Test Series Against India

COLOMBO — Cricket fans planning to witness the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka will not need to purchase tickets. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Saturday announced free public admission through selected stadium gates for the entire duration of both matches.

The initiative aims to pack the stands for the high-profile series, which forms a key part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The move comes shortly after disappointing crowd turnouts were observed during the recent Lanka Premier League matches.

Gate Access and Venue Details

While admission is complimentary, spectator entry will be strictly regulated through designated access points at both host venues:

• 1st Test — Galle International Cricket Stadium (Aug 15–19): Free entry will be available exclusively through Gate 4.

• 2nd Test — Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo (Aug 23–27): Fans can enter free of charge via Gates 3, 4, 5, and 7.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that public admission to the upcoming Test Series between Sri Lanka and India will be free of charge, thus providing cricket fans with an excellent opportunity to witness world-class Test cricket," the board stated in an official media release.

SLC extended a open invitation to young aspiring cricketers, families, and sports enthusiasts nationwide to take advantage of the gesture and support red-ball cricket at the venue.

Precedent and Preparation

Opening stadium doors to the public is not entirely unprecedented for SLC. The board previously adopted a similar free-entry strategy during Test series against New Zealand, Ireland, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to sustain public interest in long-format cricket.

Team India is currently playing a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI to finalize their playing combinations before the opening Test kicks off in Galle on Independence Day, August 15.

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