MCA Cricket: Premier League 2019 kicks off

Of special significance at the 26th Singer-MCA Premier League Cricket 2019 scheduled to commence this weekend, will be the battle between experience and youth. 

A total of top 10 teams in the Mercantile sector will be in action on three formats- League, Knockout and T20. 

Experienced players in the caliber of T.M. Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Lasith Malinga and Kaushal Silva will be up against young guns such as Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nisala Tharaka, Sahan Wijeratne, Maduranga Soysa, Lakshan Rodrigo and Buddhika Sanjeewa. 

The teams in the fray are: MAS Intimates Unichela (2018 League and T20 winners) led by T.M. Dilshan, Tee-Jay Lanka (formally Textured Jersey, Knockout winner 2018) led by Lasith Malinga, LB Finance (2018 Knockout Runners-up) led by Lakshan Rodrigo, DIMO (2018 T20 Runner-up) led by Nisala Tharaka, Commercial Credit & Finance led by Upul Tharanga, Sampath Bank led by Kaushal Silva, John Keells Group led by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kanrich Finance led by Sahan Wijetathne, Hayleys Group led by Maduranga Soysa and MAS Intimates Silueta ('B' Division Runner up 2018) led by Buddhika Sanjeewa, making their debut in the big league. The notable absentee after 25 years of participation is HNB. 

The League stage of 45 matches will get underway this weekend and conclude on October 7, when the top team in the table of points will be the 'League' winner. 

The 'Knockout' of 9 matches with the same teams, will follow from October 10-20. 

Finally, the T20 Knockout, of 9 matches will be from October 23-28.