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Format for present day school cricket
By Ranil Abeynaike
Another chapter in school cricket history came to an end a few weeks ago. The question that is most important is - did it produce quality, potential players for the future? Having been a coach, my answer to that is - hardly any. Maybe, a handful should progress if they really apply themselves without talking a break from the game and develop on the progress already made.

The system is just not producing players ready to move along to the next level and the one next. It is a fact that parents today want their children to study and get a paper qualification which they feel is essential. Many who show promise at a young age drop-out because they cannot combine cricket and studies. The game demands a lot of time and energy from the period a youngster reaches age 14 or 15. Some attempt to combine both but emphasis is more on the academic side. Such likes are certain to quit the game once they leave school.

Somehow the glamour and attraction of the sport for school leavers to pursue seems to have added somewhat over the past few years. The least that can be done is to ensure enjoyment of the game coupled with a reasonably high level of success to maintain motivation.

The foundation matters and therefore the under 13 and under 15 systems have to be solid. In fact educating coaches at all levels of school cricket in a continuous systematic manner should be a responsibility that the governing body should undertake.

Under 17 and 1st 11 cricket are what finally mould the players for the future. At present all of under 17 cricket is of 1 day duration barring the last stages of the tournament. Similarly, is it only at this stage that games are played on turf.

Two areas must be addressed. The age group requires batsmen to play long innings. Similarly it requires bowlers longer spells and develop variations to dismiss batsmen. Limited over cricket does not permit sufficient development in these areas. Again, a matter the governing body should remedy immediately.

1st 11 cricket was played differently during the concluded season. The point system which had been in operation for many years was abolished. Games were friendly matches. The thinking obviously was to remove restrictions and undue pressure. Also, to promote players to perform naturally removing artificial situations created when points and positions on the table are at stake.

There was no drastic difference in the performances. Analyze, and I am certain that the number of centuries scored or the five wicket hauls did not leap forward by great proportions. Perhaps that may take some time to bear fruit. Certainly the role of some coaches and school administrators, whose idea was to win or steal points at any cost, was thrown out of the window!

I feel the balance between the 2 systems maybe the answer. Divide the teams in groups of 10 starting with an 'A' division for the first 10 teams. A structure in the lines of the mercantile cricket association tournaments. The MCA, runs its tournaments efficiently, punctuality in a very professional manner. An example worth following.

Having 10 teams per group will mean that there will be about 14 or 15 groups in all. But then it is manageable. It requires an early start where the administration is concerned, to ensure that the games are played as scheduled.

4 out of the games should be played in the 3rd term during the months of September and October and the balance 5 in January and February. This also gives time for the schools to play another half a dozen or more games as friendlies.

The 50 over tournament as conducted this season involving a league stage and then a knockout stage played during the months of March and April is acceptable. Only, the notice given this season was inadequate. Excusable, considering the effects of the tsunami and also it being the first time. This format provides for competitive cricket whilst giving time for development of individual skills!

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