Ananda to play Zahira in cricketing clash for T.B. Jayah Memorial Trophy

It is now four years since the revival of the traditional cricket encounter between neighbouring Colombo schools Ananda Collage and Zahira Collage. 

In 2014, this traditional encounter, which came to an abrupt end several years ago, was revived with the Old Boys of the two schools putting up a grand show at the Colts Cricket Club grounds. Zahira plays host to this year’s encounter, having hosted the first match of this revived series in 2014.  

The one-day 50-over match is scheduled to be played at Ananda Mawatha on 11 March commencing at 10.00 a.m. The match, a much-awaited encounter, is expected to draw many supporters from both sides including several past cricketers, old boys, students and players alike. The match is played for the T.B Jayah Memorial Trophy, dubbed the Unity Cup, and Ananda has walked away with the trophy on both previous occasions.  

Spectators will be treated to a very special attraction by the Academy Students of Ananda and Zahira during the lunch break of the main cricket match. The match is sponsored by Dialog, Mobil and Home Depot in association with the Past 1st XI Cricketers Association of Zahira College which has stepped forward to partner what is expected to be an exciting encounter. 

Having four wins under their belt this season, Ananda, led by Kavishka Anjula, are favourites while Zahira, led by Sajith Sameera and consisting of mainly youngsters, are more than capable of springing a surprise on the visitors. 

T.B. Jayah was a Sri Lankan educationalist, politician, diplomat and Muslim community leader. He started his teaching career in 1910 and was invited in 1917 by the then principal of Ananda College, P.D.S. Kularatne, to teach History and Classics at the school. He was then invited by Zahira College to be its principal and he served there for 27 years. Under his stewardship, Zahira College became one of the leading schools in the country.  Well-known personality Kushil Gunasekara, a cricketer, cricket administrator, philanthropist and businessman, will be the event’s Chief Guest, while former Zahirian fast bowler and well-known musician and artist Ishak Baig will be the Guest of Honour at this year’ s match. Past cricketers and Old Boys of both schools are invited to the event.