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A format for domestic cricket
Whilst the first test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is in progress, at regular intervals scores of the inter-provincial final between Auckland and Wellington, kept appearing on the screen. It indicated that the season was drawing to a close. All over the world a cricket season has a specific time of year when it commences and a similar time when it culminates. That time is associated with tournament winners and champions.

The 2004-05 home season could be described as totally unsatisfactory in terms of organization and totally inadequate in terms of cricket played for those who are the first class and cream of players in this country. True, the tsunami affected all areas of life in the island but it is no excuse for the domestic game to have suffered.

In countries where the playing period is governed by the weather seasons the timing is not difficult. Cricket has to start towards the second-half of spring, continues through summer and reaches the end before mid-autumn. Cricket can be played throughout the year in Sri Lanka as the temperatures do not vary too much. The obstruction is rain brought about by two monsoons.

With the game mainly played in the West, South central and North Central parts of the island, the best time for the season is between November and March of the following year. The quantity of club cricket played during this period of the concluded season was totally inadequate. The provincial tournament was played, but the desired results were not achieved. There was hardly any value, hardly any noteworthy performances and hardly any indication of experience gained and player development.

Like it or not, club cricket is the life blood of the game in this country. Again, like it or not, club cricket is centered around Colombo, its suburbs and a handful of the major cities. "Sri Lanka Cricket" cannot change that. It is a product of the economic situation in the country and a situation that existed since the game was introduced to Ceylon nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.

This means that the Premier division tournaments three day and one day - and the Provincial tournament be played continuously during that five month period. The other, lower division club tournaments and the under 23 tournament must be woven around, commencing in August, mainly to avoid congestion on the grounds.

The three day club tournament must run concurrently with the one day tournament. The one dayers must be played on a league basis. With sixteen clubs in the fray players are guaranteed of fifteen games per team. The top four sides could engage in a final round.

Five provincial teams could play their league games during the months of January and February. These could be played mid week, with one day games occupying the week ends during those weeks. The three day tournament could be played in two groups of eight teams, with four qualifying for a final round. All three tournaments should reach the finals at the end of March. Then it will be a complete, fulfilling season of cricket. There is three months to plan. Start now - the game is crying out for tough, competitive domestic tournaments.

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