SLC assures support to deaf cricketers in view of 2018 T20 WC

Cricket has proved to be a fusion to the differently able, and that the country’s deaf cricketers have been quick to seize the opportunity since the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricketers Association (SLDCA) was formed in 1995, speaks of the turning around effect to life sports can bring in.

The best manifestation of that fact was a squad of enthusiastic deaf cricketers drawn from across the country trekking into the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) headquarters Friday afternoon.

It was indeed a moment to savour defining moment for the young men that lack of audibility has by no means dented their enthusiasm to explore the challenging arena of the bat-ball game.

Fifteen players including players from as far as Jaffna, down South Galle to Matara, and Colombo met the SLC President, Thilanga Sumathipala in finding ways and means of strengthening their future cricket. SRi Lanka deaf cricketers became runner-up to India in the recently held 2016 Deaf Cricketers Asia Cup, which is a hard earned triumph. It was indeed a heartening leaf to their cricket, and a spring in their step as they look to their next hurdle – the T20 World Cup to be staged in Sri Lanka.

The cricket loving SLC cricket chief was quick to offer them encouragement. Having assessed their preparatory requirements, Sumathipala, assured the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricketers Association officials the ground work facilities – playgrounds to be utilized for practices ranging from Moratuwa which has been their base to other venues and fitness and practice related machinery such as gym equipment and bowling machines in a wholesome format.

That was apart from the financial aid Sri Lanka Cricket would extend to the SLDCA through Cricket Aid of the Rs.1 million for the association’s expenditure for last year’s event.

Around eight countries will participate in 2018 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and the first round matches will worked off in Moratuwa and the next rounds in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Deaf Cricketers Association president, Mohamed Nizar, Chairperson Anula Ranjani and Secretary Hemajith Vajira Kumar were also present at the occasion.