Big Match: MoH gives green light to conduct 142nd Roy-Tho

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has granted permission to hold the twice postponed 142nd Royal-Thomian 'Battle of the Blues' big match cricket encounter upon an official request made by the Joint Organising Committee of Sri Lanka's oldest school match.

The letter issued by MoH on July 31, in response to the request letter dated July 19 from the match organisers, states that it grants approval to conduct the big match, in accordance to the health guidelines already given.

"Approval is hereby granted to conduct the 'Big Match Cricket Entouincter on 9th, 10th and 11th September as referred to your letter adhering to the strict health guidelines already given for the postponed match in May 2021," states the letter signed by the Director General of Health Services.

"The Match Organising Committeeshould be responsible for the conduct of this event, taking inti consideration the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. The safety and health of the players and officials should be of highest priority and no spectators are allowed when conducting the 3-day event," it added.

The letter further explains that the Bio Safety Environment (BSE) at the grounds and accommodations for players and staff will come under the supervision of the Southern Provincial Director and Hambantota Regional Director of Health Services, as the match will be played at the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium.

The 142nd Roy-Tho was originally planned for April 8, 9 and 10 at Sooriyawewa, but was postponed due to various common reasons due to the pandemic. 

It was later rescheduled for May 6, 7 and 8 before being put off for the second time, after four players from the S. Thomas' College tested positive for COVID-19 and the entire squad of 22 players and 11 officials were quarantined.