Sri Lanka goes free for India Test series after LPL crowd drought

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators to the upcoming two-Test series against India, a move that comes amid poor crowd turnout at the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The two-Test series will begin in Galle on August 15, with the second Test scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23. Spectators will be allowed to watch both matches free of charge, SLC said in a statement.

“This will provide cricket fans with an excellent opportunity to experience world-class Test cricket live from the stadium,” SLC said, inviting fans, families, young cricketers and sports enthusiasts to attend the matches.

At the Galle International Cricket Stadium, spectators can enter through Gate 4 without tickets. In Colombo, Gates 3, 4, 5 and 7 will be open for free admission.

Free admission is not unusual for Test cricket in Sri Lanka. The country has previously offered unrestricted entry for home Test series against teams including New Zealand, Ireland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. During this year’s T20 World Cup, spectators were also allowed to attend matches hosted by Sri Lanka free of charge, apart from games involving the host nation. Women’s international matches have likewise generally been open to spectators without tickets.