Fast practice wickets to be ready in four months.
The secretary of the Sports Ministry Dr
Rex Clementine
13-Jul-2001
The secretary of the Sports Ministry Dr. Prathap Ramanujan told CricInfo
today that the fast practice wickets at Khettarama will be ready in four
months time. Two days ago the foundation to the venture was laid at
Khettarama which hosts the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, the only
flood lit venue in the country.
The Sports Minister ordered the development of 15 fast practice wickets,
having witnessed Sri Lanka's vulnerability on such surfaces first hand in
South Africa. This is yet another effort with the 2003 World Cup in South
Africa in mind.
Along with the batting tracks, a two-storied cricket hostel, a lecture room
and a gymnasium is under construction with the hope of helping the
cricketers. When all these come to fruition, Khettarama will become the
national teams headquarters.
Sri Lankan cricket captain Sanath Jayasuriya and fast bowler Chaminda Vaas
were present at the stone laying ceremony.
Meanwhile the authorities are also at work to put up an electronic
scoreboard at R. Premadasa Stadium, which hosts most of Sri Lanka's One Day
Internationals.