SLC unveils plans for first-class revamp: ‘Elite Championship’

• First Class cricket structure to be revamped; rebranded as ‘Elite Championship’
• Clubs to fall under five major cricketing regions - Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Kurunegala and Hambantota
• Same standard of coaching as Colombo to be provided island-wide
• Coaches to be given support to reach international standards
• Operation costs are within the current budget Outgoing SLC Chairman Wettimuny hopes incumbent follows through with plan

by Madushka Balasuriya

The first class cricket structure in the country is to be completely revamped and rebranded as the ‘Elite Championship’ in January, next year, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced yesterday, with operations set to begin as soon as the first week of December.

Stating their goal “to identify the most effective administrative, cricketing and commercial domestic structure for Sri Lanka Cricket,” the cricketing body also set forth several objectives in a presentation made to the media, among which were: the establishment of an effective and competitive first class cricket structure; the establishment of clear equal pathways for developing cricket nationwide to reach the elite level; the maximisation of cricket related infrastructure facilities; to optimise and share commercial returns with all stakeholders; to improve the level of coaching island-wide; to implement and enhance the current umpire and match referee structure; and to ensure that the Schools Cricket Plan (SCP) focuses on improving the standard of cricket in Sri Lanka.

According to the presentation, clubs from each of the five ‘traditional cricketing cities’ - Colombo (Western Province), Galle (Southern Province), Kurunegala (North Central Province), Hambantota (Eastern Province), and Kandy (Central Province) - will be represented, while the Northern Province is also catered to, even though it is not denominated by a city name at present.

“For sponsorship reasons, we used to call the teams from different regions certain names, but what we felt was, traditionally we go by the cities of Sri Lanka. So looking at promoting Sri Lanka Cricket as a brand, we’re focusing on calling [the regions] Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Hambantota, and Kurunegala. Geographically and historically, these are the cities that have brought cricket to the level that it is now. Moreover, facilities in these regions cater to the game structurally as well as cricket-wise,” explained SLC Head of Cricket Operations Carlton Bernadus.

The proposed new structure will be “one that offers a pathway from local youth cricket to Test level,” he added, outlining an action plan with regard to the tournament’s structure.

“This shows how players can reach the national pool. Starting with age group cricket - it needs to be run within the regions by their respective bodies, to prepare them for the national tournament. Then there will be tournaments run by SLC which will involve all first class clubs as well as their ‘second’ teams. 

“There needs to be a lot of cooperation between the two, where the regions play their cricket and SLC only picks up the baton to conduct national tournaments. The purpose of this is to decentralise operations and offer every region the same facilities offered in Colombo,” elaborated Bernadus, highlighting plans to improve regional infrastructure such as grounds, practice facilities and gymnasiums.

In addition, plans are being put in place to establish a clear selection philosophy, and professionalise selection panels both at a district and regional level, while also using underage championships for talent identification more effectively. 

Bernadus also revealed that assistance will be offered to coaching and support staff, at all levels, so as to reach an international standard, with high performance coaching seminars, annual coaching conferences, and elite international coaching programs made available to all coaches, trainers and physiotherapists.

“The elite development program that we intend on running throughout the five regions will take Sri Lankan cricket to the next level. 

“It is also within our current budget, with the only additional expenditure surrounding the setting up process, which will be around Rs. 15 million,” he noted, adding that responsible financial management was key, with SLC having substantially improved their financial situation over the past six months.

SLC Chairman Sidath Wettimuny, meanwhile, when enquired whether this plan would still be in place beyond the SLC elections due to be held in the first week of January, struck a helpless yet hopeful note.

“Those who follow the game should decide whether this is good for the game of cricket. We believe it is. People like Mahela Jayawardene won’t propose things like this if it isn’t for the benefit of cricket. I have actually asked the Honourable Minister [of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekera] to not change these things for at least three years. 

“If somebody wants to come in and change it, there’s nothing I can do about it. But I can only say if people have the game at heart, and they want to develop the game, then they must continue it. I can only hope that people working in the board convince those who come in to continue this,” he said.