U-19 Cricket: Kumar Sangakkara kicks off Murali Harmony Cup 2016

The Murali Harmony Cup 2016 was declared open on Wednesday (21) in Kilinochchi with 24 teams competing in this year’s blockbuster tournament.

The competition features as many as ten newcomers to have a chance at winning the coveted Champions trophy and bragging rights in the men’s and women’s segments respectively.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Guest of Honour Kumar Sangakkara stressed the importance of this tournament stating that this is in fact the hallmark stepping stone for budding young cricketers in the north and east to showcase their talents and compete at a higher level. 

Sangakkara has been a part of the Murali Harmony Cup since itsinception and made it a point to elaborate on the fact that teams should not just look at this as yet another T20 Cricket Competition but also grasp the concept of this tournament. 

He said it was “important for teams to engage with the spirits in which the tournament is played” by spreadingfriendship and camaraderie throughout the competition.

The tournament began on Wednesday (21) across venues in Kilinochchi, Mankulam, Oddusuddan and Jaffna while the final will take place on Sunday (25) at the Kilinochchi Central College ground. 

Sangakkara will be joined by fellow cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardena and Muthiah Muralidaran during the course of the tournament.