Two talented cricketers off UK courtesy SLC

Under its overseas player programme two outstanding schoolboy cricketers, Chamika Karunaratne of Royal College and Lasith Lakshan of St. Thomas' College Matara have been selected to play in the United Kingdom County Championship by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Out of seven cricketers Karunaratne and Lakshan were selected by the SLC UK Committee who will be responsible for the well-being of the cricketers and expenses related to them during their stay in the UK.

The two cricketers will be playing in the Middlesex County Championship which would give them competitive and challenging cricket throughout the season. The chairman of SLC UK Committee together with the captain and Chairman of Southgate Cricket Club will be available at all times to ensure the wellbeing of the two cricketers. In addition, a club a member who is Sri Lankan and a Level III Coach will be available to assist on any other matters relevant to the cricketers.

The Chairman of SLC UK Committee will act as the mentor and guardian of the scholarship-winning cricketers throughout their stay along with the other SLC UK Committee members who will be around to support and help the cricketers during the season. SLC UK Committee will arrange to provide competent coaches (Level III or above) from MCC/ECB Coaching Staff, depending on the needs and requirements of the cricketers. SLC UK Committee and Club will arrange gym membership and strength and conditioning coaches as appropriate during their stay in UK to develop all aspects of fitness and conditioning.

Some of the past cricketers who have been benefited from this scholarship scheme are Angelo Mathews, Dhammika Prasad, Farveez Maharoof, Kosala Kulasekera and Upul Tharanga. For young potential national cricketers to have this opportunity to play a season of cricket in England is a dream come true and the experience will hold them in good stead for their future careers, The club cricket season runs from end of April till mid September.