Sastralian Premier League 2026 to add financial muscle to cricket at Ananda Sastralaya
ThePapareNews article
The player auction for the inaugural Sastralian Premier League 2026 (SPL), a 10-over cricket tournament organised jointly by the school management and the old boys of Ananda Sastralaya National School, Matugama, with the aim of further strengthening the financial support needed for the development of cricket at the school, will be held on October 18 from 4.00 p.m. at Hotel Himakara, Yatadola.
Eight teams will take part in the tournament, which is organised by the Old Sastralins Cricket Association, and notably all eight have already been bought by members of the business community. A total of 143 players have registered for the tournament, and the teams will get the chance to pick their players from among them at the grand auction.
Each team may select up to 16 players, while team captains are not part of the auction. Players who are currently playing cricket for schools in the Matugama area, or who have done so in the past, will also have the opportunity to represent teams through the auction under the Guest Players category. Accordingly, up to six players representing other schools may be selected by a team, and four of them must compulsorily play in the matches.
In addition, it is compulsory for each squad to include two players who are currently playing cricket for Ananda Sastralaya National School, Matugama. However, it is sufficient for only one of the two to play in a given match. The aim here is also to give the school's current players the chance to gain experience by playing alongside seasoned cricketers.
When selecting the remaining players, team owners will have the opportunity to include five players over the age of 20 and three players over the age of 40. All the school's players will be presented at the auction under the School Players category.
The tournament will be played in the 10-over (T10) format, with 16 matches in all. Matches are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 15, and November 16 has been set aside as a reserve day in case rain interrupts play.
Another special feature of the tournament is that teams will be allowed to use an Impact Player.
Group 'A' of this year's tournament comprises JSD Challenges, Jagath Express, Liveka Power Lions and Rexhill Warriors, while Group 'B' consists of JPI Royals, Five Star Heroes, Marine Titans and Finnk Falcons.
Based on ThePapare reporting