Cricket in Sri Lanka is taking a new chapter and a step forward towards revolutionizing the standards in the limited overs format with the organizing of the first ever under-19 Invitational Schools T/10 tournament by the Past Cricketers Association of Nalanda College.
The tournament will see 36 school teams divided into two groups and the matches worked off on April 10 and 11 at four venues.
Nihal Pathirage president of the Past Cricketers Association of Nalanda College and the Project Chairman said that Sri Lanka improved from Test level, then went on to the One Day Internationals and now in the T20 and time was ripe for another giant step forward.
He made the remarks at a media conference held at the Bloomfield Club pavilion on Thursday.
“Now we have to develop the T/10 format that is catching up internationally. We must take steps to find ways to improve the talent and discipline of the players so that we can produce a high standard of hard hitters in cricket,” said Pathirage who captained Nalanda College in 1986.
The organizers have an idea of conducting this event on an annual basis with the fullest support of sponsors.
“Cricketers need to learn the English language as well and this tournament will look into this aspect as well as the motivation and psychological side,” added Pathirage.
Upul Gamage who captain Nalanda College in the 50th Battle of the Maroons against Ananda College said that India has made giant progress due to the IPL and Old Nalandians plan to unearth big hitters and good all-rounders at school level.
The tournament will be played at the NCC, Thurstan, Bloomfield and MCA grounds.