Big Match (also known as March Madness) is an annual school cricket match played between rival schools in Sri Lanka. These schools have played against one another for many years, some for over a century. Big Matches have become an important part of modern Sri Lankan culture, with both school children and adults taking part in the activity.
Most Big Matches are played over two days. Three Big Matches (the Battle of the Blues, Battle of the Blues Ruhuna and Battle of North) are notably played over three days.
History
Annual Big matches are played between two rival School cricket teams in Sri Lanka. These matches are known as March Madness because, big matches are usually held at the end of the first school term in March. Big matches provide competition among schools and it also serves as a meeting place for many old boys. Some of these encounters are very old, more than 100 years (Battle of the Blues (Colombo) - 144 years, Battle of the Blues Ruhuna - 123 years, The Lovers' Quarrel - 118 years, Hill Capital Battle of the Maroons - 116 years, Hill Country Battle of the Blues - 104 years).
1879-1899 - Battle of the Blues (Colombo)
Battle of the Blues (Colombo) has been played between Royal College and St. Thomas' College since 1879, for 144 years.
1900-1904
Battle of the Blues Ruhuna has been played between St. Thomas' College and St. Servatius' College since 1900, for 123 years.
1905-1964
Continually, many other Big Matches has begun in the following years.
List of Big Matches
Current Big Matches
Former Big Matches
Venues
Following is a list of venues Big Matches are held in 2023.