SLC committed to develop school cricket - Arjuna

Chris Dhambarage

Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee Arjuna Ranatunga reaffirmed that he is committed to develop school cricket in the country with the vision of providing a solid foundation for the future.

The former national captain made these observations while inaugurating the second annual Prima Champions Cup under 15 inter district cricket tournament at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Khettarama yesterday.

Ranatunga hoped that this tournament will serve as a stepping stone for the youth to embark on future careers in cricket at both club and national levels. He also thanked the Prima Group for providing the motivation and encouragement for the participants to develop their cricketing talents and skills.

Ranatunga noted that a major drawback at the previous under 19 Youth World Cup was the lack of experience for the players. But with the forming of this tournament most of the players are assured of gaining valuable experience by competing at the highest level.

The 1996 World Cup winning captain said that the SLC have already launched a series of programmes to promote the game in the rural areas under the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Ranatunga further noted that together with President’s Advisor and former Sri Lanka leg spinner D. Somachandra de Silva the SLC is moving towards the right direction with the commencement of several youth tournaments.

Ranatunga said that the present day young cricketers are fortunate to have all these opportunities and the expertise to back them up unlike during his time where the game was restricted to a number of schools and clubs.

He said that the SLC have allocated Rs. 134 million for the development of school cricket in the country which includes donation of cricketing gear, construction of turf wickets, side wickets and also providing payments for coaches and masters in charge.

He said that through this tournament they will be able to form an under 15 national team and followed by an under 17 national squad which will be the stepping stone to build up a strong under 19 side that could face the challenges with confidence.

The first round matches of the Prima Champions Cup will be continued until September 18 in Galle, Kandy, Colombo, Dambulla and Badulla. A total of 24 teams from all major districts will compete in this tournament.

This project is aimed at assisting the authorities to identify the best young talent from all corners of the country who with the guidance of the coaching camps of Sri Lanka Cricket will be nurtured to become the future national cricketing heroes.