Historic MCC match at Galle to boost Sri Lanka
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Marylebone Cricket Club’s visit to the Island next month to play their tradition match with the winner of the English County season will boost Sri Lanka’s image internationally, says club’s President Kumar Sangakkara–the first non-native to head the revered institution.The four-day match will be played at Galle International Stadium–the iconic venue overlooking the 15th Century Dutch Fort starting March 24 where a hosts of top first class cricketers will be in action representing both MCC–captained by Sangakkara and Essex–the English County champions.
“If you take into consideration what happened early in 2019 there is a show of support and solidarity with the country in terms of the knock-on benefits like tourism, in raising the profile of Sri Lanka internationally not just as a cricketing destination but everyone who travels to watch the Test series and watch the county game can take it back and hopefully more and more people will come,” said Sangakkara at a press conference held in Colombo in view of his team’s visit to the island in March.
“It is not an easy thing to transport such a significant game all the way to Sri Lanka but when the suggestion was made Sri Lanka has a very special connection in terms of cricket in England. Everyone enjoys playing here not just because it is a stunning country but we offer so much more than just cricket. The quality of cricket that we produce is a huge attraction to anyone who plays here and also follow the game,” he added.
Tourism was badly hit following the Easter Sunday attack on churches and hotels, killing as many as 250 people and sporting events are one of winning their confidence back. Sangakkara–one of the most successful players the world has ever seen with over 12 , 000 Tests runs said that people abroad has a very strong connection and affinity towards Sri Lanka.
“There is a very strong connection and affinity towards Sri Lanka that goes way beyond my appointment as the president of the MCC. At the same time there is also great respect for Sri Lanka cricket internationally and the MCC is no different.
“To have county players to come here and have the experience of playing in the subcontinent in an iconic location like Galle and play against a quality MCC side made up of county professionals, and fringe international players also carries a great deal of benefit,” Sangakkara quipped.
“There is a very strong connection and affinity towards Sri Lanka that goes way beyond my appointment as the president of the MCC. At the same time there is also great respect for Sri Lanka cricket internationally and the MCC is no different. To have county players to come here and have the experience of playing in the subcontinent in an iconic location like Galle and play against a quality MCC side made up of county professionals, and fringe international players also carries a great deal of benefit.”
The match will start a day after the final day of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Galle and concludes when the two teams begin their second and the final Test at SSC on March 27.
“At the heart of it we the MCC are a cricket club and one of our greatest trends is that we play cricket and annually we play over 400 games both in England and overseas.
“One of the things we do during these cricket matches is while exploring opportunities to spread the game and influence the game broadly we also try to raise the profile of the MCC and at the same time have continuous programmes both at home in England and overseas to develop cricket and to provide facilities and playing opportunities for those without access.
“Among all these fixtures that we play traditionally is the MCC versus the reigning county champions, an opening game which is always considered very important and takes pride of place. It has been played in other overseas locations and it is a great privilege and honour for us at the MCC to bring it to Sri Lanka and of course play it between the two Test matches,” explained Sangakkara.
Sangakkara who will lead the side will include at least couple of Sri Lankan players in the side.
“That would add a huge amount of quality to our side. This game is not taken lightly it’s not an exhibition game, the MCC side would love to beat the reigning county champions. The team is selected by invitation and by availability.”
“We will try and select the strongest possible side. We take a lot of pride in our cricket so when we play we want to play with a good side and have a good competition and hopefully win,” said Sangakkara who revealed that he hopes to bat at number seven to avoid facing the fast bowlers.