The Cricket Academy (CA) of the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) that was established in 2002 gets an opportunity to compete at international level later this month. The Academy players will be sent to England to participate in the International Council of Cricket Academies Global Academy Cricket Championship 2023 to be held from July 16 to 26, 2023.
The CA have entered one team each in the under-15 and 19 age categories where 24 teams from six countries will participate in the age groups of under-13, 15, 17 and 19.
All matches will be played at Workshop College, Nottingham from July 19 to 25 on a single Group League basis. The CA will play in the 50-overs-a-side format.
The CA will have one training session at Lords with Pitch Vision Technology and will play one warm-up match against a local team.
The MCA tour contingent comprising 29 players and six officials will leave Sri Lanka on July 16.
Adithya Hettiarachchi from Ananda College will lead the under-19 team and Abeeth Paranavidana from S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia will lead the under-15 team while Navin Wickremasinghe, president of the MCA will be the Chef de Mission.
MCA Cricket Academy U-15 Squad:
Abeeth Paranawidana (Captain, S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia), Vishan Gunasekera (VC)/Colombo International School), Vihanga Ratnayake (St. Benedict’s College), Lavindu Samarawickrama (Horizon International), Ayaaz Kanaka (S. Thomas’), Anikesh Perera (St. Joseph’s College), Navithu Akein (Mahanama College), Yonal Mendis (St. Joseph’s), Nathen Malawana (Ananda College), Imeth Perera (Lyceum International), Sandiw Nethsara (East Asian International), Venuka Perera (St. Peter’s College), Buwana Attanayake (Royal College), Aken Atapattu (Isipathana College) and Chamindu Sandakelum (Subarathi MV).
MCA Cricket Academy U-19 Squad:
Adithya Hettiarachchi (Captain/Ananda), Rithil Suraweera (VC/St. Peter’s), Hiruka Eashwara (DS Senanayake College), Thenuka Fonseka (DS Senanayake), Nikitha Peiris (Nalanda College), Deeraka Attanayake (Royal), Enuka Wijewardena (Nalanda), Minew Paranawithana (Nalanda), Sathsara Bogahawatte (St. Benedict’s), Senuda Dissanayake (Thurstan Colege), Hamdan Dilshard (Wesley College), Ashen Cooray (Royal International Institute), Rovin Maiarachchi (Stafford International) and Dineth Jayakody (St. Joseph’s).
Tour officials:
Nalin Wickramasinghe (MCA president), Sirosha Gunatilleke (vice president and Chairman Cricket Development Committee), PK Abeygunasekera (Secretary, Cricket Development Committee), Wilmot Jayasinghe (General Manager), Anil Hapugoda (Member Tournament Committee) and Dinuka Godakanda (assistant coach)
(TBR)