The Singer MCA Premier League is to be played off on the 20th of September 2014 at a number of grounds with the partnership of Singer Sri Lanka PLC for the 22nd year. A press gathering was held today at the Mercantile Cricket club regarding the proceedings of the tournament.
Gracing the occasion at the head table were; Mr. Mahesh de Alwis, the chairman f the tournament committee, Mr. Asantha Karunarathne, Senior manager merchandise, Singer SL PLC, Mr. Mahesh Wijeywardane, Commercial and marketing director, Singer SL PLC, Mr. Ashley Ratnayake, The president MCA and Mr. Rohana Dissanayake, the general secretary MCA.
First to address the gathering was the incumbent president Mr. Ashley Ratnayake who thanked the media present and specially Singer Sri Lanka PLC for sponsoring this event for the 2nd consecutive year. “We thank you for the rock solid support you have given the MCA in return for your love and respect of the sport” said the President. Finally he ended by wishing the teams and passing on some words of encouragement to the captains of the respective teams, “play good cricket, here is the opportunity because the cricket board has taken keen interest in this tournament and it is ideal for you to make yourselves noticed”.
Last year’s edition of the tournament saw over 700 matches being conducted by the MCA from which MAS Unichela (pvt) Ltd emerged League champions as well as the Knock out winners. This year too after last year’s success Sri Lankan cricketer Chamara Silva will continue his duties under the captain’s position. This year a total of 7 teams are to participate;
MAS Unichela (pvt) Ltd. – Chamara Silva
John Keels Group A – Janaka Gunaratne
Hatton National bank A – Hashan Gunathilake
MAS Active trading A – Angelo Perera
Sampath Bank – Rumesh Buddhika
Seylan Bank – Harsha Vithana
Commercial Credit and Finance PLC – Upul Tharanga
The “league” will be conducted in a single group round robin from the 20th of September up to the 15th of October 2014, consisting of 21 matches all together. The “knockouts” will be the same 7 teams facing off in 6 matches along with the semi-finals and finals, to be played from the 18th of October to the 1st of November.
The 27 matches are spread around the MCA, Moratuwa Stadium, BOI Katunayake, NCC, P Sara Oval and the Bloomfield grounds. Also it is notable that an A division match is being played at the MCA grounds for the first time after 25 years, a milestone for the cricket club.
The tournament will award an emerging player who will receive a cricket scholarship to Australia for which all expenses are borne by the MCA. Last year Chathuranga De Silva was awarded this prize and on arrival from Australia climbed up the ladder and is currently representing the Sri Lanka A squad.
With Singer as the proud sponsor of this tournament for the 22nd consecutive year this tournament will provide the opportunity for young budding cricketers to show what they are capable of and eventually make their way to the Sri Lanka national side.
