SLC Announces Free Entry for Fans for India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free public admission for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship Test series between Sri Lanka and India, starting August 15. Fans can enjoy world-class cricket in Galle and Colombo at no cost. India will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain, while Dhananjaya de Silva captains Sri Lanka.
In a move set to delight cricket enthusiasts across the island nation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today confirmed that spectators will be granted free entry to all five days of the upcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and India. The two-match contest, a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, promises thrilling action with gates open to the public at both the Galle International Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Colombo Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs Sri Lanka XI, 3-Day Warm-up Match.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) 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 release. This initiative is expected to draw large crowds, offering a vibrant atmosphere for the series which marks India's first red-ball bilateral tour of Sri Lanka since 2017.
Series Schedule and Venues
The series kicks off with the first Test at the picturesque Galle International Stadium, known for its historic fort backdrop and spin-friendly pitches. The action then moves to the capital for the second and final Test at the renowned SSC Ground in Colombo. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time (IST / SLST) daily.
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (IST/SLST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15 – 19, 2026 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | August 23 – 27, 2026 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo | 10:00 AM |
For the Galle Test, fans can enter through Gate No. 4. At the SSC in Colombo, gates 3, 4, 5, and 7 will be open for public access.
Team Leadership and WTC Stakes
India will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul serving as his vice-captain, while Dhananjaya de Silva takes the helm for the Sri Lankan side. Both teams are eager to secure valuable points in the ongoing WTC 2025-27 cycle, with India currently placed fifth and Sri Lanka sixth in the standings.
India enters the series with a strong historical record in Sri Lanka, having remained unbeaten in bilateral Test series on the island since 2008, including a dominant 3-0 sweep in their last tour in 2017. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Urges Team India To Be 'Ready With Every Answer' Ahead of IND vs SL 2026 Test Series (Watch Video).
Squad News and Warm-up
Team India is currently engaged in a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo, which commenced today, August 7, 2026. India's regular skipper Shubman Gill is being rested for the warm-up fixture as a precautionary measure due to a finger injury sustained during practice, with KL Rahul leading the side. The Indian squad for the series has seen a notable change with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, and Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi named as his replacement. Subhadeep Ghosh has also joined the Indian contingent as the new fielding coach.
The free entry initiative underscores Sri Lanka Cricket's commitment to promoting the sport and inviting a wider audience to experience the pinnacle of Test cricket, setting the stage for an exciting battle between two competitive sides. The series holds significant implications for both teams' World Test Championship aspirations, making every session a critical contest.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
