As the SLC Premier League Tournament 2017/18 is set to begin December 1st week with the rain easing off, we take a look at the 14 individuals who will be leading the Tier A cricket clubs in Sri Lanka.
>> Click here to SLC Premier League 2017/18 Tier A fixtures
- Sachithra Senanayake – SSC
The bowling all-rounder Sachithra Senanayake will lead the defending champions SSC for the up and coming tier ‘A’ tournament. He will no doubt be looking at an opportunity to the national side, while leading his domestic team. He made a vital half-ton and took 3 wickets with the ball in the MCA limited over finals as Teejay Lanka clinch the title.
- Chamara Silva – Moors
The domestic hero and ex- Sri Lankan middle-order bat Chamara Silva who captained Panadura SC in the segment ‘B’ has upgraded to Moors SC this year to strengthen the lads from Baybrooke place. He is a class act with the bat and the performances he provides will have a huge impact to Moors getting in to the super 8s.
- Nipun Karunanayake – Bloomfield
The stylish left-hander who toured West Indies with the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team will lead the boys from Bloomfield. He will lead the team for a second consecutive year and hoping to finish in the super 8s. A few new comers are set to begin the career with Bloomfield and eager to make a statement.
- Kithruwan Vithanage – Tamil Union C & AC
26-year old Kithruwan Vithanage has been handed over the responsibility to captain the Tamils out-fit for the second consecutive year and will be eyeing on a title glory this season. He has played all 3 formats of international cricket and the club expects all the guidance of the stylish left-hander Vithanage.
- Dilruwan Perera – Colts
The established Test all-rounder Dilruwan Perera will lead the Colts unit for the upcoming domestic season. He will have bunch of young and talented stars who can trouble any opposition in the given day. Right-handed Anjelo Jayasinghe has named as his deputy for the season.
- Malinda Pushpakumara – Chilaw Marians
Left-arm spinner Pushpakumara has been the top wicket-taker in every year and one of the most difficult left-arm spinners to compete in the country. He got the Test cap and the ODI cap in the recent Indian home series and most probably the next left-arm spinner who will take the responsibility after Rangana Herath.
- Harsha Cooray – Saracens
Right-hander Harsha Cooray is one of the most experienced players in the domestic circuit who performs well in every season. He will lead the Saracens outfit this year in-hope of a super 8 contenders.
- Alankara Asanka – Badureliya CC
Right-arm off-spinner Alankara Asanka will captain the Badureliya Cricket club for second consecutive year. He is a crafty off-spinner and a handy right-hander who can give the balance to the Badureliya lads.
- Angelo Perera – NCC
Former Peterite captain Angelo Perera is tipped to lead the star-studded NCC unit and he will have all the experience to lead a Premier side. The 27- year-old all-rounder will be eyeing on the title as they have all the big names in their team.
- Lahiru Thirimanna – Ragama CC
Sri Lanka top-order bat Thirimanna will lead the Ragama boys this year and Sameera Soysa as his deputy. Most probably Soysa will take Ragama forward due to absence of the Thirimanna.
- Ashan Priyanjan – CCC
The ODI cap Ashan Priyanjan who recently played T20I cricket will have the opportunity to lead Colombo cricket club in the major league tournament. CCC are top contenders for the title this year and a lot expected from Ashan Priyanjan.
- Seekuge Prasanna – Army SC
The T20I super star Seekuge Prasanna is one of the hopes for Sri Lanka Army this year. With all his experience in the international arena, the Army boys will bank on his leadership to guide them through in the season along with Ajantha Mendis and Asela Gunrathne.
- Gihan Rupasinghe – SL Ports Authority
Sri Lanka Ports Authority will have the chance to compete in the segment ‘A’ after the success in the tier ‘B’ tournament. Hard-hitting left-hander Gihan Rupasinghe will have the responsibility of maintaining them in higher league.
- TM Sampath – BRC
Batting all-rounder TM Sampath will stay at BRC and will lead the outfit this year. BRC bought lot of big guns last year without much success. However, it’s a new year and a new tournament as the lads from Havelocks gears up for the challenge.
