SLC opens a new cricket ground in Mallakam, Jaffna

SLC VP Ravin Wickramaratne greeting players who played an exhibition match during the opening of the ground

The Mallakam Sri Baskaran Cricket Ground – Jaffna, built under the patronage of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), was declared open on Sunday, 14 March with the participation of SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne and Chief Guest Jaffna District Secretary K. Mahesan.

The ground, built under the ‘Cricket Gamata’ program of the SLC was developed in a land donated by the Late P. Sri Baskaran, a prominent philanthropist who lived in the area. The Late Sri Baskaran’s wife also attended the opening ceremony.

Two side practice wickets, a matting wicket, an office room and a player changing room are facilities built under the first phase of the ground development.

The completion of the three-phase development program by the end of 2022 will transform the Mallakam ground into a fully-fledged National cricket ground with facilities such as centre turf wickets, a pavilion, player dressing rooms, gymnasium, a score board, a sight screen and also facilities for indoor cricket. 

Valikamam North Divisional Secretary S. Sivasri, SLC National Development Centre Head Kamal Dharmasiri, Major General K.P.S. Premalal and Brigadier A.S.M Fariz of the Sri Lanka Army, Jaffna District Cricket Association President A.S. Nishanthan and Jaffna District Cricket Association Secretary Kasinathan Sasikaran also took part in the opening of the ground. The Mallakam Cricket Ground is managed by the Jaffna District Cricket Association, and the 26 cricket clubs and 16 schools playing cricket in Jaffna will immensely benefit from the new ground.

SLC VP Ravin Wickramaratne opening the side wickets

SLC VP Ravin Wickramaratne declares open the new ground

A match in progress at the new ground