Pre-selection matches, a must for fair selection - SLC's Matara district coach

Priyan de Silva - Matara Sports Correspondent

"The District Cricket Association should arrange all facilities for pre selection practice matches and selections of a district team. It is essential that at least two practice matches are played to make a fair selection of the final eleven. Although I requested for the use of the Uyanwatta grounds for practice matches the Matara District Cricket Association failed to provide the grounds," disclosed Prasanna Galappaththi Sri Lanka Cricket's District Coach Matara.

The selection of the under 15 team for the Prima Cup inter-district tournament was made without playing a single practice match and hence the selection may not be 100% fair.

25 players who were shortlisted were asked to come for a practice match and selections on Monday 3rd December but the Uyanwatta grounds had not been booked for it.

Southern Province selector Duminda Wickremasinghe was present and on a last minute request made by SLC's district coach the Matara Municipal Council permitted the use of a centre wicket and half of the ground.

The payment was made on the following day. The MDCA did not provide lunch or refreshments on Monday.

Sri Lanka Cricket provides funds to the MDCA annually. Facilities at the Uyanwatta Cricket ground was upgraded to international standard for the practice sessions for teams that participated in the women's T20 last September.

The Nawaloka group renovated the Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa pavilion on behalf of the MDCA. It is time that the MDCA mends it's ways and act with the vision of developing cricket in the district at all levels.