CMCA launches competitive Cricket for veterans
The Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) was established on October 21, 2016, at the SSC. Subsequent to its formation, Mahes De Zoysa was elected President, Andrew Dalby as Secretary and Dharsha Abeyawardena as Treasurer. The CMCA was registered in the Western Province Sports Division.
The CMCA has been set up as an opportunity for the progress of Senior Cricket in Sri Lanka, and to afford past cricketers the opportunity to relive their playing days on the field. There are able Senior Cricketers in Sri Lanka, who can compete at a Global Masters level, with visiting Cricket-Playing Clubs and Nations. The CMCA is, therefore, the pioneer in setting up 50+60+ Cricket in Sri Lanka.
The CMCA is the brainchild of Senior Cricketer Sunil Fernando who has lived in the UK for the last 49 years, and is passionate about continuing to play Cricket. He is the owner of Kreeda London,UK, and is sponsoringCMCA with Cricket equipment and clothing. He persuaded Mahes De Zoysa to establish the CMCA 50+60+.
In the UK, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, India and Pakistan, there are several Clubs and Leagues that cater for 50+ and 60+ Competitive Cricket played during the season. Off-season, they prefer to tour other countries. Over the past several years, they have toured the West Indies, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Most Cricket playing countries prefer to come to Sri Lanka because it is peaceful, friendly, gives competitive opposition and for its brilliant weather, while providing great hospitality and tourism options not easily available in other countries – all delivered at reasonable cost and of high quality.
Presently, the CMCA membership is around 33 and all playing members are over 50+, who have represented schools such as Ananda, Royal, Wesley, St Peters, Kingswood, St Thomas, Mahinda, Trinity, St Josephs, Nalanda, Dharmaraja, Maliyadeva (Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Kurunegala and Ambalangoda). Several progressed to Provincial and Premier League Cricket in Sri Lanka in the past. To add to the mix, many expat Cricketers who have played League and Zonal cricket in their home countries, have taken up residence here.