Quick answer
The Colombo Cricket Club, known as the CCC, is one of Sri Lanka's oldest cricket clubs, with roots in the nineteenth century, and its ground is on Maitland Crescent in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7. It hosted a few Tests in the mid-1980s, in Sri Lanka's early years as a Test nation. Today it is a club ground used for domestic cricket, close to the SSC and other historic clubs.
Key takeaways
- The CCC is one of Sri Lanka's oldest cricket clubs, with nineteenth-century roots.
- Its ground is on Maitland Crescent, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7.
- It hosted a few Tests in the mid-1980s.
- It is now a club ground used for domestic cricket.
- It sits close to the SSC, the Nondescripts and Bloomfield.
One of the oldest clubs
The Colombo Cricket Club traces its history to the nineteenth century, when cricket was brought to Ceylon by British soldiers, planters and officials. In the colonial era it was a club for European members, one of several community-based clubs that shaped cricket in Colombo.
Over time, membership opened up, and the club became part of Sri Lanka's domestic cricket structure, fielding teams in first-class and limited-overs competitions.
The club's long history makes it one of the oldest cricket institutions in Asia, and its pavilion and ground carry that heritage quietly.
- →Roots: nineteenth century.
- →Originally: a European members' club.
- →Now: part of domestic cricket.
Test cricket in the 1980s
In Sri Lanka's early years as a Test nation, after 1982, the authorities used several Colombo grounds for Tests, and the CCC ground hosted a few in the mid-1980s. These matches were part of the team's learning years, before the rise that led to the 1996 World Cup win.
As the SSC, the P Sara Oval and the new Premadasa became the main Colombo venues, the CCC ground returned to domestic cricket.
Its spell as a Test venue makes it one of Sri Lanka's former Test grounds, alongside Asgiriya and Moratuwa.
- →A few Tests in the mid-1980s.
- →Part of Sri Lanka's early Test years.
- →Now a former Test venue.
The ground today
The CCC ground is a compact club ground with a pavilion and small stands, set among the trees and colonial-era buildings of Cinnamon Gardens. It hosts domestic matches, club games and occasional warm-up or representative fixtures.
As a private club, entry is at the club's discretion. On domestic match days, spectators are often welcome, sometimes for free, but on other days you may only be able to see the ground from the gate.
It is polite to ask at the gate before entering or taking photographs.
Cinnamon Gardens' cricket quarter
Cinnamon Gardens has the densest cluster of historic cricket grounds in Sri Lanka. The SSC, the Nondescripts Cricket Club, Bloomfield and the Colombo Cricket Club are all within a short distance, and the P Sara Oval is a short ride away in Borella.
A walk or short tuk-tuk loop around these grounds is one of the best ways for a cricket lover to spend a morning in Colombo, combined with the National Museum and Viharamahadevi Park.
Lankan Stays & Trails can plan a Colombo cricket day that links the clubs and the bigger grounds, with a driver or a walking route.
- →SSC, NCC, Bloomfield and CCC: all close together.
- →P Sara Oval: a short ride away.
- →Nearby: the National Museum.
Visiting the CCC
The ground is on Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7, roughly 10 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk from Galle Face or Fort. Domestic fixtures are listed by Sri Lanka Cricket, and the club itself may post its schedule.
The best time to visit is during a domestic match, when the gates are open and the atmosphere is relaxed. Bring water and a hat.
Without a match, combine a look at the ground from the gate with the other clubs nearby.
- →From Galle Face: 10 to 20 minutes.
- →Best on a domestic match day.
- →Ask at the gate.
Why visit
The CCC is not a big stadium, but it represents the oldest layer of cricket in Sri Lanka, from colonial clubs to the early Test years. For anyone interested in the history of the game in Asia, it is worth a short stop.
For groundhoppers, it is a former Test ground and therefore an essential tick.
For other visitors, it is part of the leafy charm of Cinnamon Gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Colombo Cricket Club ground host Tests?
Yes. The CCC ground on Maitland Crescent hosted a few Tests in the mid-1980s, in Sri Lanka's early years as a Test nation. As the SSC, P Sara Oval and Premadasa became the main Colombo venues, it returned to domestic cricket.
How old is the Colombo Cricket Club?
The Colombo Cricket Club traces its history to the nineteenth century, making it one of the oldest cricket clubs in Sri Lanka and in Asia. It began as a club for European members in the colonial era and later opened its membership.
Where is the Colombo Cricket Club ground?
The ground is on Maitland Crescent in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, close to the SSC, the Nondescripts Cricket Club and Bloomfield. It is roughly 10 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk from Galle Face or Fort.
Can visitors go into the CCC ground?
The CCC is a private club, so entry is at its discretion. On domestic match days, spectators are often welcome, sometimes for free. On other days, you may only be able to see the ground from the gate. Ask politely before entering or taking photographs.
What other cricket clubs are near the CCC?
The Sinhalese Sports Club, the Nondescripts Cricket Club and Bloomfield are all within a short distance in Cinnamon Gardens. The P Sara Oval, home of the Tamil Union club, is a short ride away in Borella.
Is the CCC worth visiting?
For cricket lovers interested in history or former Test grounds, yes, as a short stop on a Colombo cricket morning. For others, it is part of Cinnamon Gardens' leafy streets rather than a major sight. Combine it with the SSC and the National Museum.
Does the CCC host domestic cricket?
Yes. The Colombo Cricket Club fields teams in Sri Lanka's domestic competitions and hosts matches at its ground. Check Sri Lanka Cricket's domestic schedule or ask the club for fixtures.