Vijith Nishantha (right) presenting the sponsorship cheque to Mahesh de Alwis president of MCA
The Mercantile Cricket Association’s (MCA) ‘D’ division cricket tournament has reached the semi-final stage and will be concluded with the CBL Munchee Trophy being awarded to the winner after the final is played on January 25.
The sponsorship cheque presentation for the fifth year was made by Vijith Nishantha the Marketing Manager of CBL, to Mahesh de Alwis president of MCA at a media briefing held on Wednesday (15) at the MCA Legend’s Wing.
Mahesh de Alwis said that the MCA will continue to support in the participation of teams in this tournament.
“Investment in cricket is vital as it brings about sound mental and physical health to the people and it also brings people together to stay in harmony and peace,” said Mahesh de Alwis.
The teams that have entered the semi-finals are Teejay Lanka versus Power Hand Plantations, HNB Finance versus Central Finance to be played on Sunday (19) in two venues. The final will be played on January 25 at the MCA ground.
Besides the trophy to be presented to the winning team CBL will also give away four special awards to the Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Man of the Final and Man of the Series.
The tournament featured 15 teams pooled into three groups. It was conducted in two stages, the League stage and the knock-out stage consisting of seven matches.
Vijith Nishantha said that they started their alliance five years ago that has grown stronger.
“We also had a vision not just to support cricket but to strengthen the people’s relationship and sportsmanship within the business community. It has reached a stage for the professionals to come together to focus their talent and justify their meaningful cause,” said Nishantha.
All matches will be officiated by MCA-appointed match referees, umpires from the Association of Professional Cricket Umpires (APCU) and scorers by Sri Lanka Cricket.
