More teams for Nelson Mendis trophy

The 12th Under-14 International Invitation Cricket Tournament for coaching schools and academies for the Nelson Mendis Challenge Trophy will take place from December 10 to 22 at eleven venues.

The tournament has lasted for the past 17 years and has produced many talented and emerging players who have gone on to represent the Sri Lanka Under 19, Sri Lanka 'A' or winning Test and ODI recognition.

Dilshan Munaweera, Kusal Perera, Ramith Rambukwella and Ashan Priyanjana are some of the players to make it.

This year there are some new teams from Colombo, Piliyandala, Thalawathugoda, Moneragala and Moratuwa contesting.

However none of the Indian teams from Bangalore who were to participate at this year's tournament will be able to take part due to exams and the subsequent junior provincial tournament in India taking place.

Thirty six teams are in the fray and the preliminary round matches will be played as 30 overs per side. The semi-final and the final will be played 45 overs per side on turf pitches.

The final will take place at the CCC ground on December 22.

Singer Sri Lanka is the main sponsor of the tournament backed by mercantile establishments who are ready assisting the development of players. Former Sri Lanka batsman Roshan Mahanama will be the chief guest at the prize giving.

-(YK)