In pictures: World Cup venue in Hambantota 22 days before ICC deadline

In pictures: World Cup venue in Hambantota 22 days before ICC deadline

December 8, 2010 (Island Cricket)

The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (a/k/a Suriyawewa International Cricket Stadium) in the southern district of Hambantota will host two World Cup fixtures during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. With a capacity of 35,000 and measuring 200 meters by 200 meters, the stadium is the largest on the island.

The stadium was initially expected to be completed by August, 2010; well within the ICC's original deadline of November, 2010. However, thanks to a revised and extended deadline of December 31, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has another 22 days in order to complete construction at the venue.

 

A Chinese construction worker is seen at work while ground staff (background) lay rain tarps over the pitch at The Suriyawewa International Cricket Stadium in the southern district of Hambantota on December 8, 2010. AFP PHOTO/Lakruwan WANNIARACHCHI.

Construction work is still evident at The Suriyawewa International Cricket Stadium in the southern district of Hambantota on December 8, 2010, just weeks before the ICC deadline for World Cup venue completion. AFP PHOTO/Lakruwan WANNIARACHCHI.

 Although the playing surface is ready for cricket, the stands are yet incomplete. AFP PHOTO/Lakruwan WANNIARACHCHI.