Kumar Sangakkara kicks off Murali Harmony Cup 2016

Thursday, 22 September 2016 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Murali Harmony Cup 2016 was declared open on Tuesday in Kilinochchi. Twenty four teams will compete in this year’s blockbuster tournament featuring as many as ten newcomers to have a chance at winning the coveted trophy and the bragging rights in the men’s and women’s segments.

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Kumar Sangakkara with the captains of the ladie’s and men’s teams participating in Murali Cup 2016

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Guest of Honour Kumar Sangakkara stressed the importance of this tournament, stating that this is in fact the hallmark stepping stone for budding young cricketers in the north and east to showcase their talents and compete at a higher level.

Sangakkara has been a part of the Murali Harmony Cup since its inception and made it a point to elaborate on the fact that teams should not just look at this as yet another T20 cricket competition but also grasp the concept of this tournament. He said it was “important for teams to engage with the spirit in which the tournament is played” by spreading friendship and camaraderie throughout the competition.

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Kushil Guansekera, Kumar Sangakkara and Security Force Commander, Kilinochchi present the tournament jersey to the Captain of Royal College

The tournament begins on 21 September across venues in Kilinochchi, Mankulam, Oddusuddan and Jaffna, while the final will take place on 25 September at the Kilinochchi Central College Grounds. Kumar Sangakkara will be joined by fellow cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardene and Muthiah Muralitharan during the course of the tournament.