Cricket: Come join us if you wish to play cricket at 50 says CMCA

Newly formed the Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) is a unit that is keen on keeping the senior cricketers in the country actively engaged in the game. 

The birth of the CMCA was the brainchild of Sunil Silva, a senior cricketer who lives and plays cricket in the United Kingdom with former Ananda cricketer Mahesh Zoysa at the helm as the President. 

Through this association it is found that for a good number of senior cricketers in Sri Lanka who can enjoy the game and compete at the Global Masters level with visiting cricket playing nations. 

In countries like United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies and Pakistan there are several Clubs and Leagues that cater for 50+ and 60+ cricket that is played during the season at competitive levels. 

During the close season they prefer to tour other countries. Over past several years they have visited countries such as West Indies, South Africa and Zimbabwe. 

It is known that a majority of cricket playing countries prefer to come to Sri Lanka due various factors. 

For instance visiting Sri Lanka it is cost friendly and peaceful. 

Colombo Masters Cricket Association had formed teams to compete locally with friendlies and if possible with similar age group. 

This would be in preparation to participate in the proposed International Global Masters Competition which is set to be held in Sri Lanka in March-April 2017 - which is yet to be confirmed. 

Sunil Silva will be sponsoring CMCA with cricket equipment and clothing through an organisation called 'Kreeda' London UK. 

Mahesh Zoysa stated that he was persuaded to set up the Colombo Masters Cricket Association 50+ by Sunil Silva and at the moment the membership is around 30 and is growing in a rapid pace. 

The playing members will be over the age of 50+ who have represented various schools such as Ananda, Royal, Wesley, St. Peter's, Kingswood, S. Thomas' and Mahinda. 

They have progressed to provincial and premier cricket in Sri Lanka in the past along with expat cricketers from UK who have played league and Zonal cricket in their respective counties. 

CMCA members practice at the P. Sara Oval every Saturday and they are very thankful to the Sara Oval management team for accommodating and providing them with best facilities in the country. 

Following is the results of the CMCA's last match played on last Poya Day at the Air Force grounds against the Cricket Foundation of Mahinda College, Galle which CMCA won by eight wickets with three overs to spare. 

Cricket Foundation of Mahinda College 190 all out (30) (S.B. Yatawara 43 n.o., B.P. Nilan 38, Lalith De Silva 4/28, A. Dalby 2/46) 

Colombo Masters Cricket Association 191 for 2 wickets (27) (Channa De Silva 68 n.o., U. Yatawara 31, R. Wannakuwatta 45, B.P. Nilan 1/58)