At a time, when Sri Lanka Cricket is battling with all sort of problems – unstable cricket board, players suspension, match fixing, pitch fixing – Sajith Fernando turned SLC t20 league a mega success.
Almost everyone had the doubts about it’s success when Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) announced SLC t20 league last month. when all other cricket playing nations having their own international t20 leagues, Sri Lanka’s attempt for another local league looked just a formality at that time.
However, by defying all the logics, yesterday concluded SLC t20 league turned out a good success.
A total of 84 players participated in the league. More importantly, as all the national players also played the entire tournament, it turned out to be a perfect platform before the all important Asia Cup.
It turned a big stage for younger players as well to showcase their talent while competing with national players. Youngsters like Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shammu Ashan, Charith Asalanka, Thikshila De Silva, Hasitha Boyagoda and Kamindu Mendis grabbed attention with their performances in the tournament.
At the same time, seasoned campaigners like Upul Tharanga and Lasith Malinga rediscovered themselves during the tournament and proved that they have still enough to play for Sri Lanka. Malinga shown consistency with the ball, looked fit and determined and pushed selectors to pick him for the Asia Cup with some eye catching bowling performances.
More importantly, the tournament managed to attract Sri Lanka cricket fans, which has become a rare thing in recent times. With Sri Lanka national team has continually been failing to perform well, there were very supporters during the recently concluded home series against South Africa. However, as SLC t20 league delivered some sparkling performances (Danushka Gunathilika, Dasun Shanaka and Upul Tharanga with the bat) spectators turned out in numbers for most of the matches.
The credit goes to tournament director Sajith Fernando. His experience as a player, coach, selector and manager helped him to make the SLC t20 league a mega success. And it’s becomes more praiseworthy, knowing the fact is that right now there is no functioning cricket board at Maitland place.
Due to the absence of functioning board, SLC didn’t promote the league properly and tried to organize it just for the formality. Even then Sajith Fernando managed to make it one of the most successful domestic cricket tournament in recent times!
