Ambassadors’ Cricket Cup held in Washington DC

Saturday, 20 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Embassies of cricket-playing nations located in Washington DC held their annual Ambassadors’ Cricket Cup Tournament 2014 this week with a view to promoting friendship, cooperation and camaraderie between cricket-playing nations in the world and extending it towards the people of the United States.

Teams from Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and West Indies were represented by their embassies at this competitive event, which also showcased the game of cricket in the United States. The Sri Lankan team consisted of cricketing talent from the Sri Lankan community in the Washington region and the Embassy. This daylong event was attended by well-wishers and members from each country’s community. The event was further enlivened with food and music native to each participating country.

The Sri Lankan tent was filled with a festive atmosphere with tea and kottu roti available to those visiting the enclosure. The US State Department Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Biswal attended this event, visiting each country enclosure from South Asia. A reception was hosted by Embassy of Bangladesh in the evening to commemorate the occasion and for prize distribution. Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam in his remarks complimented the organisers and all participants, stating: “The game of cricket, the most popular sport in the South Asia region, is more than a sport for the public in countries that enjoy cricket. It is a way of life and an opportunity for friendship, manifesting social cohesion, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. It is a game that links and creates networks among peoples of different regions and cultures.”