Sri Lanka Cricket has initiated to hand over “Bowlar” bowling machines to 24 top tier teams. This includes 14 tier ‘A’ teams and 10 tier ‘B’ teams.
Representatives from the 24 clubs were present at this event as they were given a brief breakdown of the financial details of this specific project headed by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Speaking to the media Hon. Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala mentioned “We (Sri Lanka Cricket Board) have identified that the Schools and Domestic Cricket structure is important for our country’s cricket development. Hence under the leadership of Mr. Mathivanan the Vice president of Sri Lanka Cricket we have initiated to provide the right infrastructure to all top 24 clubs of Sri Lanka”.
He further stated “The Sri Lanka National coaching team have identified the need in which Sri Lanka has to focus in respects to developing the local structure, as a first step we have initiated this bowling machine project. In future, we want to help the domestic clubs with roller machines which are required to prepare the right standard of pitches as well as the essentials such as the turf cutter”.
The Honourable president further spoke “We have allocated a fund of Rs. 11 million each for the top 14 teams of tier along with a sum of Rs. 9 million each for the 10 teams from tier B for their infrastructural and developmental purposes”.
Mr. K.Mathivanan the vice president of Sri Lanka Cricket, speaking later explained the domestic competition structure in which the top two tiers of club cricket will be operating starting 25th November. It was explained prior, that Sri Lanka Cricket has identified that the time period between November to April is the best time to play cricket in and around the island.
Presenting of Bowling Machines to Premier Clubs
At the conclusion of the press meet, the Sri Lanka Cricket board handed over the respective documentations to the club representatives. Further, a demonstration of the bowling machine at the SSC turf was showcased with Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews and Vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal also present at the occasion.
The list of clubs presented with bowling machines are as follows
Tier A teams will comprise of Sinhalese Sports Club, Colts Cricket Club, Army Cricket Club, Colombo Cricket Club, Chilaw Marians, Nondescription Cricket Club, Ragama Cricket Club, Tamil Union C and AC, Moors Sports Club, Galle Cricket Club, Saracens Sports Club, Bloomfield Cricket, Baduraliye Cricket Club and Burgher Recreation Club.
Tier B consist of Navy Sports Club, Air Force Sports Club, Kurunegala YCC, Lankan CC, Kalutara Town Club, Police Sports Club, Sri Lankan Ports Authority CC, Kalutara Physical Club and Negombo CC.
