Sanath Jayasuriya's massive request to Narendra Modi, asks Indian PM to build cricket stadium in Jaffna

Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Colombo on Sunday and has asked for a massive demand. The former Lankan captain has sought the help of Modi to help build a top-notch international cricket stadium in Jaffna. India has set a shining example for other countries in providing the best cricket stadiums around the world.

It also boasts of a world record of having the biggest cricket stadium in the world—the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which has a seating capacity of over one lakh. Jayasuriya's demand to Modi to build a stadium in Jaffna stems from the fact that the city boasts of exceptionally talented cricketers, who are failing to get the right exposure.

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“There are many talented cricketers in Jaffna, so I requested the Honorable Prime Minister if he could help us build this facility in Jaffna… He said he would discuss with his team and definitely revert back to us soon,” Jayasuriya, 55, who is now the coach of the Lankan team, told The Indian Express.

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SLC keen to build a new cricket stadium before the T20 World Cup 2026

For the unversed, Sri Lanka is the co-host of the T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India. Ever since ICC allotted the island nation as the co-host of the global event, the government and Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) have been closely working to set up a new stadium. However, with the island nation still recovering from the economic crisis, the Lankan head coach acknowledged it will be tough for them to build a new stadium.

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“For us to do it, it’s very difficult. As a country, as the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, it’s very difficult. We have managed to put a system in place. We have appointed provincial coaches in Jaffna and district coaches, so a system is in place. There are many schools playing cricket in Jaffna. A (cricketing) culture is there… But to take it to the next level, we need to connect more with international cricketers, and we need India’s help on that front,” Jayasuriya said.