WELCOME TO
Wisden Cricket Academy
Wisden nurtures cricketing talent with elite coaching and world-class facilities.
ABOUT US
A cornerstone of cricket excellence established in 2023 in Kandana by Mr. Harin Saparamadu and the late Mr. Gehan Jayasundara. Born out of a profound passion for cricket and a shared dream to nurture future cricketing legends, our academy is dedicated to discovering and developing exceptional talent. At Wisden, we believe in providing more than just cricket training; we aim to instill discipline, teamwork, and resilience in our athletes. Equipped with world-class facilities and a team of elite coaches, we offer a transformative experience that prepares young cricketers for both local and international arenas. Join us to embark on your journey to cricketing greatness.
Introduction to the Academy
At Wisden Cricket Academy, we champion the values of excellence, integrity, and innovation. With that to develop top-tier cricket talent through world-class coaching and facilities, emphasizing teamwork and ethical sportsmanship. These core values create a nurturing environment where young cricketers can excel and grow.
Core values and priorities
Wisden Cricket Academy is dedicated to discovering and nurturing cricket talent from underprivileged communities. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities for all aspiring cricketers, using sport to empower individuals and drive social change. We strive to transform lives through cricket, promoting inclusivity and excellence.
VISION
Our mission at Wisden Cricket Academy is to produce high-quality cricketers who exemplify discipline both on and off the field. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, ensuring that each player not only reaches their full potential in the sport but also upholds the highest standards of conduct.
MISSION
HISTORY
Our Legacy : A Century of Cricketing Passion
The story of Wisden Cricket Academy is built on over a century of unwavering love for the game—a legacy that spans generations, continents, and classrooms.
It all began with Mr. Donald De Silva, the grandfather of co-founder Harin Saparamadu, who was born in Colombo in 1894. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo, he was later sent to the United Kingdom for higher studies. Due to the outbreak of World War I, his stay in London extended—giving him time to develop a deep admiration for the game of cricket. Upon his return to Sri Lanka, he joined the staff at St Joseph’s College before being appointed by the Catholic Church as Head Master of De Mazenod College, Kandana. It was during his tenure in the 1930s that he introduced cricket to De Mazenod College, forever altering the sporting identity of the institution.
The cricketing flame continued with Mr. Benedict Saparamadu, Harin’s father and a devoted cricket enthusiast. He represented both his school and the University of Peradeniya, and later, while on a scholarship at the University of Sydney in the 1980s, played competitive cricket in Australia. His passion extended into cricket administration—serving as the first President of the Old Mazenodians Club and later as the Secretary of the Gampaha District Cricket Association in the 1990s. Through these roles, he played a vital part in fostering regional cricket and supporting young talent.
Benedict’s two sons who carried this legacy forward in their own ways—Harin and Shanaka Saparamadu. Shanaka was a skilled player who captained De Mazenod College in 1993 and later led the University of Colombo cricket team during the 1995–96 season. While Shanaka made his mark on the field, Harin found his passion in cricket development and administration. His vision was clear—to create a space that nurtures young cricketers with discipline, opportunity, and world-class guidance.
That vision came to life in 2023, when Harin Saparamadu, together with the late Mr. Gehan Jayasundara, co-founded Wisden Cricket Academy in Kandana. Mr. Gehan, a passionate cricket supporter, generously provided the land to build the academy. Although he sadly passed away in Sydney in 2024, his legacy lives on through every aspiring cricketer who trains under the Wisden banner.
Today, Wisden Cricket Academy is more than a training ground—it is the result of a family’s enduring legacy, a community’s support, and a shared dream to produce disciplined, talented, and globally competitive cricketers for the future of Sri Lanka.
Mr Donald De Silva
(1894 – 1985)
Mr Benedict Saparamadu
(1939 – 2024)
Mr Gehan Jayasundara
(1962 – 2023)
GALLERY
Personalized One-on-One Coaching
Tailored sessions with expert coaches to refine skills and techniques, ensuring individual attention and accelerated development.
An international exchange program that offers players opportunities to train and compete overseas, enhancing their exposure and experience on global platforms.
Global Cricket Exchange
Comprehensive live-in programs that provide not just cricket coaching but also focus on fitness, nutrition, and mental toughness, creating well-rounded athletes.
Residential Training Programs
Regular Practice Matches
Frequent competitive matches against varied teams to test skills in real-match scenarios, crucial for practical learning and strategy refinement.
Access to top-tier cricket facilities equipped with the latest technology and training tools to aid in advanced skill development.
State-of-the-Art Coaching Facilities
An all-encompassing cricket education that covers every aspect of the game from basic techniques to advanced strategies, including player health and sportsmanship.
Total Cricket Development Program
DHH Turf Cricket Ground
( home ground )
REVIEWS
Wisden Academy is run by experienced and qualified coaches who are passionate about cricket and dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. They also organise friendly matches and tournaments to provide players with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain valuable match experience. So, my child is improving his skills greatly with Wisden Academy. It is the perfect place to start your journey.
Mr. Sanjeewa Perera
Mr. Shantha Dayananda
Wisden Cricket Academy is a great place for any kid to learn the basics of Cricket correctly My son was able to rectify his batting technique, due to the personal attention of it’s batting coach.
Mrs. Kanchana Perera
My heartiest gratitude to Mr Harin Saparamadu founder of wisden Cricket Acadamy and to the eminent coaching staff who nurture the budding cricketers to explore their cricketing 🏏 talents to showcase the world one day.
A MOTHER
A FATHER
A FATHER
Wisden Cricket Academy is a great place for any kid to learn the basics of Cricket correctly My son was able to rectify his batting technique, due to the personal attention of it’s batting coach.
Miss. Kanchana Perera
Mr. Shantha Dayananda
Cricket academies play a pivotal role in nurturing aspiring young children who dream of becoming professional cricketers. In this regard I have the pleasure to identify The Wisden Cricket Academy in Kandana as one of the best academies in the region.My grand nephew who is 15 years old and who is a student of a leading school in Colombo joined Wisden Cricket Academy in Kandana about 10 months back. His family is extremely thankful to the academy for his improvement in such a short period of time. He has been able to improve the performance in all aspects of the game including bowling, batting, fielding and discipline. The academy which is conveniently located is well equipped to provide a standard level of training.
Mr. Wijesiri Hettiarachchi
Wisden Academy is run by experienced and qualified coaches who are passionate about cricket and dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. They also organise friendly matches and tournaments to provide players with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain valuable match experience. So, my child is improving his skills greatly with Wisden Academy. It is the perfect place to start your journey.
A MOTHER
A FATHER
A FATHER