Red Bull Campus Cricket returns
In its fourth successful year, Red Bull Campus Cricket (RBCC) is back to fuel the passions of young Sri Lankan cricketers. This annual international college cricket tournament will give wings to aspiring young cricketers in 200 universities across eight cricketing nations – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
RBCC matches are played under the same regulations that govern ICC T20 matches. However, this year Red Bull has added one more twist and included two special clauses which allow for a Super Sub and Strategic Timeout enabling more strategy and planning by teams right throughout the nail-biting games.
Sri Lanka took pride in hosting the very first Asian Finals of RBCC in 2012. Following its success, Sri Lanka also went on to host the World Finals of the tournament in 2013. This year, Brendon Kuruppu, RBCC Tournament Director and Lahiru Thirimanne, Vice-Captain of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team, launched the local tournament with a unique ‘bowl-out’ draw at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium (The Oval) on 9 April.
The preliminary stages of the competition will be held between 7 and 9 May while the quarterfinals will be held on 5 and 6 September and the semi-finals on 12 September, ending with the National Finals on 13 September. This will culminate in a spectacular World Finals on 21 October in India.
Apart from reigning National Champions ICBT, teams from ACBT, ANC, APIIT, Auston Institute of Management, BMS, CINEC, IIHE, IIT, RIC, SLIIT, VHEC, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the University of Sri Jayawardenepura will compete to represent Sri Lanka at the World Finals.
Coaches and prominent personalities from the Sri Lankan cricketing fraternity will also mentor teams from the quarterfinal stage, including during special workshops offering advice on how to succeed at big tournaments.
Speaking at the tournament draw, Thirimanne said: “Cricket has always united us as a nation seeking a common victory. Red Bull Campus Cricket does an exceptional job of tapping into this determination and inspiring young Sri Lankan cricketers to come forward, nurture and showcase their talent as they represent their university and country on a global stage.”
For more details on Red Bull Campus Cricket visit www.redbullcampuscricket.com.
