Dubai: Sri Lanka’s Test team captain Dinesh Chandimal, currently locked in a tough Test series against India, will lead Sri Lanka in the upcoming T10 Cricket League taking place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from December 14 to 17.
Speaking to Gulf News, Vijay Vyas, one of the two owners of the team, said: “We’ve appointed Chandimal as he is a great leader in the longer format and we want to see how he can handle the team in this shortest format. Tried and tested players are always great to be seen in action, but you need a leader who can inspire youngsters to perform.”
Despite fighting with their backs against the wall against India, Chandimal hit 57 and 61 against India in Nagpur Test to prove that he is a great fighter who loves to show the way.
“We have many promising young cricketers Wanidu Hasaranga, Vishwa Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sachitra Senanyake and we want to see them give their best in this tournament,” said Kashif Rijas Shahzad, the other owner of the team.
The first match that will see Chandimal in action will be against the Maratha Arabians on December 15.
Other players to watch out are hard-hitting and part-time leg spinner Dilshan Munaweera and middle order bat Kithruwan Vithanage who made his mark in the Under-19 side. Other young players include Angelo Perera, who jump-started his career with a century for the under 19s against Bangladesh in 2009 and left-hander Shehan Jayasuriya.
Nipun Karunanayake, Wanidu Hasaranga, Kasun Madushanka, Vishva Fernando, Alankara Asanka, Ramik Rambukwella, Shehan Madushanka Devapurag and, Lahiru Gedara are all well versed in domestic cricket limited over matches. “Like Chandimal, who is match-fit playing in India, all the others are practicing hard for this tournament under the watchful eyes of former Sri Lankan cricketers Avishka Gunawardana as head coach and Nuwan Zoysa as bowling coach,” added Shahzad.
Vyas went on to announce that Lankan players will play this tournament with great seriousness to win it. “There might exist in some quarters the fallacy that we are all here to have a little fun and enjoy the experiment. Nothing could be farther from the truth. This is not an experiment. A great deal of thought has gone into it and the research has shown we are on the right track,” said Vyas.
Shaji-Ul Mulk, the chairman of the T10 tournament is delighted at the direct support from Sri Lankan cricket board. “We are happy at the farsightedness of Shaji and his unwavering commitment to the format. The format will be a surefire winner. In the subcontinent, we play ‘gully’ cricket and enjoy the thrill of it. This has the same speed and fervour and is just a refined version of it at the highest level,” added Vyas.
