An ideal stepping stone for schoolboys - Maharoof

Sri Lankan allrounder Farveez Maharoof, one of the finest national cricketers to emerge from Wesley College, has said the Munchee Glucofit Sixes, conducted by the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC), is the ideal stepping stone for any schoolboy cricketer.

During his five years with the college, Maharoof managed to play only one season of the tournament.

"The tournament no doubt serves its purpose because it highlights the performance of any schoolboy by the publicity it gets through live television coverage," Maharoof said.

"The tournament, to be frank, didn't help me personally because I hardly took part in it except in 1999 when we lost to Ananda College in the first round. But it has definitely brought to the limelight several schoolboy cricketers who sometimes don't get the publicity they deserve at regular school matches."

Maharoof was an outstanding allrounder and his talents were recognised quickly by the national selectors when they picked him in virtually every junior national team, which is why he was hardly in Colombo to participate at the Wesley Sixes.

He went on to play in two Under-19 World Cup tournaments, captaining his country in one.

"I believe it's a great concept organised by the OWSC and it should go from strength to strength," said Maharoof who is recovering from an injury sustained in the one-day practice match, playing for Sri Lanka Cricket XI against New Zealand three weeks ago.

Maharoof split the webbing of his left hand while attempting a return catch and the injury required five stitches.

Maharoof, a right-hand hard hitting batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, made his debut for Sri Lanka at the age of 19 against Zimbabwe in 2004 and has represented his country in 20 Tests and 91 one-day internationals. He holds the best bowling record in the ICC Champions trophy with 6 for 14 against West Indies in 2006.