Gopalan trophy tourney to resume after 17 years

All arrangements have been finalised for the re-introduction of the historic Gopalan Trophy tournament, which will be played between Colombo District Cricket Association (CDCA) XI and the touring Indian state side Tamil Nadu XI.

The cost of staging the four matches is around five million rupees which is pocketed out by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a media briefing on the tour, the president of the CDCA Michael de Zoysa said that it was a big achievement to reinstate the historic Gopalan trophy, which was started way back in 1950 against Ceylonese Cricket Association, which was then the national side. The match was last played in 1983.

The CDCA have introduced a one-day tournament in the name of the first Sri Lankan captain to lead the team in the Gopalan trophy - Vernon G Prins. Meanwhile, the one-off four-day match will become the 25th encounter in the history of Gopalan Trophy.

The president of the CDCA said that they have picked the best possible side available to play in the tournament with firm hopes of winning the trophy. He said the tournament would be worked out on a reciprocal basis between the two teams annually.

De Zoysa said the tournament would serve as a limb-loosener for the national cricketers in the squad who will be flying to Kenya for the knock-out one-day international world series.

He said the tournament would be a great opportunity to the youngsters as the Indian state sides are very strong and the cricket loving public could look forward to enthralling encounters with free entrance to the grounds.

Carlton Bernadus has been appointed as Coach cum Manager of the CDCA side after Anura Tennakoon said he was unavailable.

Schedule: 19th Sep Arrival of Tamil Nadu team 20th Sep 1st One-day match at R Premadasa 21st Sep 2nd One-day match at R Premadasa 22nd Sep Rest day 23rd Sep 3rd One-day match at CCC 24th Sep Rest day 25th Sep Four-day match at SSC 29th Sep Departure.