SLSCA lets schools pick match dates as rain stalls Under 19 knockouts

The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) has allowed Under 19 limited overs tournament schools to choose match dates that suit their convenience, following rain-induced interruptions. The Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ and Division II Tier ‘A’ tournaments are currently halted at the semi-final stage, while Tier ‘B’ competitions are at the quarter-finals.

SLSCA Under 19 tournament secretary Kanishka Perera informed 'The Island' that the association has granted permission for knockout matches to be scheduled on a day that is convenient for the respective teams. Perera noted that the delay in finishing limited overs competitions is disrupting their calendar, with the league tournaments of the two-day format originally slated for this month.

The decision on match dates was left to schools to ensure that ground conditions and venue availability are thoroughly assessed. For the first time in decades, SLSCA is not utilizing neutral venues for knockout matches before the final, instead opting to host games at the home grounds of participating schools. This shift has posed challenges for visiting teams, who have experienced repeated postponements due to wet weather.

One Colombo school official revealed that his team had to stay in Kandy for an additional four days, awaiting clear weather after a crucial knockout match was postponed. The financial burden of such weather-related delays is significant for schools traveling for fixtures, particularly under the current circumstances.