SLC revamps domestic limited overs tournament

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala (center), SLC Vice President K. Mathivanan (left), Tournament Committee Chairman Bandula Dissanayake and the Team Captains 

Aimed at unearthing fresh talent from the domestic cricket sphere, Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday launched the ‘Limited over Tournament’, a new format which will see over 250 players from 24 clubs compete in 64 matches for one trophy.

The clubs have been divided into four groups of six, with matches starting from 18 February onwards at selected venues, where the top two finishers from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals will be held on 5 March and the semifinals on 8 March and 12 March.

In this new system more than 250 quality players will vie for places in the national pool for various formats. During the official launch, Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala pointed out that every exceptional cricketer should be given a just and fair opportunity at playing for their country. 

The President also expressed optimism that the tournament would further develop the game locally and add talented cricketers to the national pool. Speaking further he disclosed that the new system had been carefully designed to reinvigorate various aspects of the Limited over Tournament as well as garner more spectator interest in domestic cricket.

Tournament Committee Chairman Bandula Dissanayake told the gathering that the initiative was the perfect opportunity for local players to get more involved in the game so that they can showcase their talent on a more competitive level.

During the launch it was also announced that the Top Player of the ODI, T20 and Super 8 matches would be awarded a Renault Kwid car. Meanwhile, a Nissan 16 SEATER Urvan will be awarded to the most consistent team in all three formats of the game.

Pic by Krishan Ranasinghe