The project of constructing a new 40,000-capacity stadium in Colombo has been suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) according to a report by ESPN Cricinfo.
The government of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the country’s cricket board, had plans to build the largest cricket stadium in the country, to increase their chances of hosting ICC events, along with the other existing venues.
The construction of the stadium was expected to be completed within three years, costing around 30-40 million dollars.
However, former captain Mahela Jayawardene and ex-ICC match-referee Roshan Mahanama – had expressed criticism of the stadium proposal, and it is believed that these opinions helped change the government’s mind on the project.
A high-level government meeting took place on Thursday which saw the attendance of Jayawardene and Mahanama, along with Kumar Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Post the meeting, the decision to suspend the stadium’s construction was announced.