SLSCA President against 20-20 in schools

“The skill levels in school (cricket) have dropped. On principle I don’t agree or approve 20-20 cricket in schools”, Said the president of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and Principal of Ananda College, B.A. Abeyrathna, in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Continuing the SLSCA President said “The sponsors may be keen to organize a tournament. But it does not going to help develop the game, especially at school level. The SLSC executive Committee has to decide on playing limited overs cricket among the under 11 and 13s. It has not helped the game. The respective coaches aim is to win at all cost and be in contention. To emerge champions. Not imparting the basics at grassroots level.

“In the past most schools had players with potential who could walk into the national team. The likes of Anura Tennekoon, Duleep Mendis, Sidath Wettimuny, Arjuna Ranatunga, late Anura Ranasinghe etc. But it is not so at present. It is a setback to the games future development”.