Limiting traditional matches and tournament matches, SLSCA

Saturday, October 1, 2011 - srilankacricket.lk

Schools Cricket conducted by SLSCA and Traditional matches Played by Your school

With reference to the above subject we would like to place our observations based on Schools cricket played during the last decade. It has been observed and bought to our notice by certain Schools, parents and distinguished past and present National Cricketers that Schools play far too many matches during the season amounting to a minimum of 20 matches or more during the U 19 Cricket Season.

On a calculated survey carried out by Sri Lanka Cricket over the last year we wish to place below in point form our study for your guidance.

It is observed that the cricket season is far too lengthy due to matches been postponed at will by coaches most of the time due to inclement weather.
Total number of matches keep increasing every year, with no emphasis to quality cricket been played rather than quantity. This is with the view of players been given an opportunity to pile up runs or take wickets and win Matches to qualify into SLSCA conducted limited over tournament.
With a great number of matches played during the season, it has resulted in mismanagement of players thereby resulting in player injury and fatigue.
Players also do not have time for any skill development by the coaching staff and opportunities for the coach to conduct practice sessions during the week with players.
The end result, will be underprepared / substandard pitches.
Another vital factor that needs to be addressed is that players do not have adequate time to prepare themselves for the GCE O/ Level Examinations.

After an in-depth discussion with our National Grid of Coaches, Trainers and Physios, we have come to the conclusion that School authorities need to be informed to strike a balance by playing maximum matches of 15 in all including the “Big Match”. The season of matches should be spread over the 03′d term and 01′t term and should be inclusive of the SLSCA conducted Tournament matches.

With this initiative in mind and for Sri Lanka cricket to thrive with the Elite Test playing countries we would like to discuss this matter with one of schools nominated competent cricket Official or the Chairman / Advisory Member of your Cricket Committee in your School.

In anticipation, we would appreciate if schools may nominate the name and contact details of your competent cricket Official or the Chairman / Advisory Member of your Cricket Committee, for us to discuss the matter at length and seek a solution to uplift the Schools standard in cricket.