Red Bull energizes another generation of cricketers
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Salinda Ushan (L) led the ICBT Sri Lanka team in Dubai
Red Bull Campus Cricket (RBCC) leads the way in the field of campus cricket, both in Sri Lanka and around the globe. RBCC provides an ideal opportunity for aspiring cricketers to represent their university and further gain a chance to represent their country at an international level. Years in, Red Bull has achieved their goal time and time again, bridging the gap that exists for players between campus to club teams.
This year was no exception, as the talented team from ICBT who won the National Finals in July 2019 travelled to represent Sri Lanka at the RBCC World Finals held in Dubai. Conquering the international arena, the team made it to the semi-finals, securing third place in the tournament. Although the team faced the many challenges that seemingly arise when playing on a foreign field, they battled their way through the tournament with one common goal in mind: to make their motherland proud.
Speaking on behalf of his team was captain Salinda Ushan, “The Red Bull World Finals 2019 was a well-organised tournament. It was a really good experience for all of us. The tournament was a fun and thrilling competition, giving us some lifelong memories as well. All seven teams who participated were really good and we finished third in the tournament. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win the championship but the commitment of the boys and the bond my team had helped us achieve this target and I am proud of the way boys played the game.”
Going on to mention the team’s support system, Ushan said, “Lastly, I would like to thank team Red Bull UAE for having us and organizing such a wonderful tournament in Dubai. I would also like to thank Red Bull Sri Lanka and ICBT Campus for supporting and encouraging us.”
Sri Lankan talent has consistently been in the spotlight at Red Bull Campus Cricket throughout the years. Following the hosting of the very first Asia Finals in 2012, the first-ever World Finals were held at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in 2013. Over the years, Sri Lanka has played host to the RBCC World Finals for 2016, 2017, and 2018. This year was no exception, as the fresh and emerging talent from Sri Lanka gained the prestigious opportunity to represent Sri Lanka on an international platform.
RBCC is helping develop a new layer of Sri Lankan cricketers, both on home turf and out of the country. At RBCC, we have witnessed the rise of internationally acclaimed players around the world such as KL Rahul from India, Lungi Ngidi from South Africa, and Chirag Suri from UAE. From Sri Lanka, Niroshan Dickwella in 2017 and Chamika Karunaratne in 2018 have shined on international fields.
Indeed, the RBCC field provides a grooming ground for campus students around the island, who can delve into their passion for cricket and showcase their talents on this incredible platform, possibly paving the way to kickstart a national cricketing career. RBCC has become a scouting ground as well, for young and talented players to catch the eye of selectors from the national team as well. As such, Red Bull is truly giving wings to cricketing talent on the island and around the globe.