Sports
Sri Lanka tourism takes center stage in new T20 Jersey
In the bustling heart of Ja-Ela, Moose Clothing Company stands tall as a beacon of creativity, technical expertise, and workmanship. Established in 2018 with a vision to redefine Sri Lanka’s fashion landscape whilst bridging the gap between affordability and accessibility to good quality fashion, Moose Clothing Company has now embarked on a journey that transcends mere apparel. This journey interweaves resilience, heritage, and hope into the fabric of the new jersey design that Moose was commissioned to create for Sri Lanka’s national cricket team, for their upcoming T20 World Cup tournament set to take place in the USA and the Caribbean.
Last year (2023), Moose Clothing Company signed a four-year agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and secured the position to be their official clothing partner. As they sat down to deliberate the project’s intricacies, from material selection to conceptualization, one mutual agreement emerged – a shared emphasis on bringing in the element of tourism in Sri Lanka and on to the design concept of the jersey. This wasn’t just about designing a jersey; it was about crafting a narrative that would beckon the world to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka.
“As these tournaments always became a spectacle in stadiums across mostly Asian nations, the T20 World Cup this time round feels even more unique and special as this would be the first time a T20 World Cup tournament is taking place in the USA,” Kithmini de Silva, Head of Marketing of Moose Clothing Company, remarked. “This also means bringing more tourism exposure to a country like Sri Lanka amongst potential travelers from the America and possibly people from other parts of the world, especially the Caribbean islands who are also co-hosting the tournament. So, in a way, this opportunity can be seen as a win-win situation – the main goal of using this concept as a way to not only help boost tourism and place Sri Lanka on a higher pedestal as an ideal tourist destination but also take the Moose Clothing Company brand to a global market”, she further added.
As a result, with the Moose Clothing Company having been entrusted with the honor of representing Sri Lanka on an international stage, the T20 World Cup tournament is bound for American shores. It was an opportunity not just to put across their designs but to amplify Sri Lanka’s voice in the global arena. With eyes set on the USA, Moose Clothing Company sees more than exposure; they see a gateway to the international market, a chance to introduce the world to the essence of Sri Lanka.
“How we could move ahead and represent the Sri Lankan brand on US soil was the focal point for us. At the same time, we also wanted to take Moose Clothing Company Brand and enter the international market through this initiative. As it is evident that the Sri Lanka national team’s players were also the rightful ambassadors who would be representing our country wherever they go, this jersey was, in a way, a vibrant canvas for us, giving us the platform to showcase the tourism potential of Sri Lanka, bit of the culture and tradition.”, Nishantha Perera, Head of Product Development and Design of Moose Clothing Company, stated.
Eventually, the jersey design was settled after some 40 designs were rolled in following hours of brainstorming and deliberation. Sri Lanka, often hailed as a tourist’s paradise, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences – from thrilling safaris in its wildlife reserves to serene encounters with our gentle giants in Habarana, home to the world’s largest Asian elephant gathering. These elements, each a chapter in Sri Lanka’s story, found their way into the design narrative of the jersey.
The blue hues of the southern coast the emblematic passant royal lion, and the vibrant hues of yellow and blue synonymous with Sri Lanka – all woven together in a canvas of cultural richness and natural beauty.
The new kit Sri Lanka will be wearing during the T-20 World Cup.
The blue water lily, Sri Lanka’s national flower, symbolizes hope amidst adversity, while the passant royal lion, a symbol etched on the flag and now the new jersey, isn’t just decoration. It symbolizes the roar of Sri Lanka Cricket identity, perfectly captured by Moose Clothing Company under the watchful eye of the Sri Lanka Cricket.
But the design goes deeper, drawing inspiration from Sri Lanka’s iconic landmarks. The muted emblem echoes the graceful arches of the Nine-Arch Bridge – the train ride in the highlands with the Kandy to Ella train is named one of the most beautiful train rides in the world and the majestic presence of the Asian elephant gathering – Habarana – is renowned for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world and has been named as ‘one of Asia’s great wildlife spectacles’ by Lonely Planet, 2012.
Each element tells a story, reflecting what they have to offer to the world as a beautiful island nation and the nation’s ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. As the national cricket team wears this unique jersey, they don’t just represent a team; they embody the hopes and dreams of a nation.
Behind the scenes, Moose Clothing Company’s design team embarked on a journey of their own. They delved deep and drew inspiration from these elements. But it wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was also about craftsmanship. In Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, technology intertwines seamlessly with tradition, creating a wave of expertise unrivalled elsewhere.
Moose Clothing Company’s dedication to quality and innovation shines through in every garment, a testament to their commitment to excellence.
The new jersey integrates state-of-the-art technology, featuring innovative fabric engineering for optimal moisture management. This ensures effective sweat regulation and enhanced comfort, even during the most intense matches. Furthermore, Moose Clothing Company conducted in-depth research on the weather conditions of upcoming tournament host countries. This meticulous approach guarantees the jerseys are crafted from the ideal materials to perfectly suit the players’ environment, offering them the ultimate edge on the field.
This thorough attention to detail ensures that the material selection and engineering are tailored to meet the specific climate demands of the tournament venues. By anticipating factors such as humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, Moose Clothing Company worked to optimize the jersey’s performance in varying weather conditions. This comprehensive approach underscores Moose Clothing Company’s commitment to delivering apparel that not only enhances athletic performance but also prioritizes the comfort and well-being of the players, regardless of the environment they compete in. The incorporation of special mesh fabric allows for increased breathability, optimizing airflow and ventilation to keep the team members cool and refreshed even in the heat of competition. This strategic design ensures that heat can escape efficiently, preventing overheating and discomfort. By leveraging such technology in textile engineering, Moose Clothing Company has crafted a cricket jersey that not only looks sleek and stylish but also delivers unparalleled performance and comfort on the field.
Speaking about the milestones and future, CEO of Moose Clothing Company, Hasib Omar said, “We’re thrilled to unveil the new Sri Lanka cricket jersey for T20 World Cup 2024. This launch isn’t just about creating a stylish and functional garment for the team, it’s about a strategic partnership that celebrates Sri Lankan pride on the global stage. We believe this jersey will not only inspire the players on the field but also ignite a passion for Sri Lanka’s tourism treasures among fans around the world.”
Looking ahead, Hasib shared the company’s ambitious vision of becoming an international brand. He further added, “Moose Clothing Company isn’t stopping at Sri Lanka’s shores. This partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket marks a significant step towards our long-term vision of becoming a global fashion leader. By combining our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation with the international exposure of cricket, we’re showcasing our capabilities to the world. This jersey launch is not just about supporting our national team, it’s about igniting a passion for Sri Lankan fashion on a global scale.”
With every match, Moose Clothing Company believes that the Sri Lankan team will not only play for victory but also carry the aspirations of a nation, inspiring pride and unity among its citizens. As the T20 World Cup draws near, the stage is set for Sri Lanka to shine once again, propelled by the enduring spirit encapsulated in every stitch of the new jersey.
Apart from this instigation that every cricket enthusiast out there can look forward to, Moose Clothing is also on the pathway to diversifying their portfolio and enhancing their footprint in the apparel sector in Sri Lanka through their brand and trendy designs that will keep on growing.
The first truly heavyweight clash of this expanded T20 World Cup format comes freighted with both history and subplots. A rematch of the 2010 World T20 final at Kensington Oval, the match pits Jos Buttler’s defending champions – who are aiming to become the first team to retain the trophy – against the Australian winning machine, victors at the 2021 edition and current world title-holders in Test and ODI cricket. And that’s before you throw in the Ashes for afters.
Already there is added pressure on England, after the rain in Bridgetown led to a share of the points in their opener against Scotland (and that having conceded 90 runs from 10 overs without taking a wicket in a tepid bowling display). Lose to their oldest rivals and it will leave their Super 8 prospects open to being waylaid by the perils of net run-rate calculations, or worse.
The Scotland match was the third abandonment in five suffered by England, after a rain-affected home series against Pakistan, which has clearly hampered their readiness for this campaign after almost six months without playing T20 together. It does not take much for a side to click in this format – and England looked in decent shape when they did get on the field against Pakistan – but Buttler will be anxious for things to go their way on Saturday, if only to avoid further questions referencing the team’s disastrous ODI World Cup defence last year.
Australia, under the laidback leadership of Mitchell Marsh would love nothing more than to add to the English sense of jeopardy – having helped bundle them out of the tournament in India on the way to taking the crown. Their head to head record is less impressive in T20 however, with England having won six of the last seven completed encounters, as well as that 2010 final.
Despite a wobble with the bat, Australia avoided mishap against Oman earlier in the week, the experience of David Warner and Marcus Stoinis shining through in difficult batting conditions. Surfaces in the Caribbean – not to mention those games staged in the USA – have already had teams scratching their heads; rather than the “slug-fest” England had prepared for, following a high-scoring tour of the Caribbean in December, it looks as if boxing smart may be the way to go.
Speaking of Warner, this could be the last time he faces up against England in national colours – and another match-winning contribution would likely reduce the chances of them meeting again in the knockouts. On the other side of the card is Jofra Archer, fresh from an emotional maiden outing at Kensington Oval and ready to take on Australia for the first time in any format since 2020. Can Mark Wood fire up England’s campaign, as he did during last summer’s Ashes? Will Pat Cummins be back to harass the old enemy once again? Seconds out, it’s almost time to rumble.
Cummins is set to return after being rested for the Oman game, which saw Mitchell Starc leave the field with cramp. Starc is understood to be fine and could keep his place – which would likely see Nathan Ellis miss out. Marsh is still not fit to bowl, with Australia likely to continue with the allrounder combination of Stoinis and Maxwell to give them cover.
Australia (probable XI): David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis/Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
The one change England may consider is Reece Topley coming in for Wood, with the expectation that there will be some rotation among the seamers through the course of the tournament.
England (probable XI): Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (capt & wk), Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley/Mark Wood
[Cricinfo]
Once is coincidence, twice is a clue, and three times is proof.
To paraphrase Agatha Christie, that is the narrative around South Africa’s meeting with Netherlands at this T20 World Cup.
The Dutch beat South Africa at the 2022 tournament and ended their semi-final hopes in a match where South Africa appeared to be sleep walking, and then beat them again at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they exposed South Africa’s vulnerability in the chase. If they to do the treble, not only will Netherlands take the lead in Group D, but they will offer conclusive evidence of the threat they pose to Full Members, especially South Africa.
Of course, it will take some doing after South Africa’s opening performance against Sri Lanka, where they reduced their opposition to their lowest T20I total and chased it down in fairly straightforward fashion thanks to the most stable middle-order of their white-ball era. In Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, South Africa have bankers and big-hitters and, for this match, they also have the advantage of experience. They’ve already played at Eisenhower Park, and have first-hand knowledge that run-scoring doesn’t come easily;Klassen said they are prepared to use their “cricket brains” and play “smarter cricket”.
But the conditions could be good news for Netherlands, who are not naturally a line-up of big hitters and build their innings on a foundation of turning ones into twos. In other words, they tend to take a slightly more conservative approach to batting, which may work well here, but they’ll be wary of the uneven bounce of the surface and will have to come up with plans to counterattack especially against South Africa’s seamers. Their own bowlers were exemplary in Dallas and will look to build on that performance against a line-up that will likely be more proactive than Nepal’s, but who they have managed to keep quiet not once, but twice in the past. Third time’s the charm, they say.
Anrich Nortje’s stunning return to form against Sri Lanka means South Africa may not have to tinker with the bowling combination, and Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi may have to wait their turns to get a game. The batting line-up should be unchanged, with no space for Ryan Rickelton yet.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markam, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Anrich Nortje
Conditions in New York may tempt Netherlands to include an extra seamer and they have Kyle Klein in their squad. But it could come at the expense of a shortened batting line-up and they may not want to risk that.
Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Tim Pringle, Paul van Meekeren, Vivian Kingma
[Cricinfo]
Nuwan Thushara’s last over brought Sri Lanka screaming back into the match,as he first bowled Rishad Hossain, and then nailed Taskin Ahmed in front of the stumps with a pinpoint swinging yorker. This left Bangladesh eight wickets down, with 12 runs still to get.
However, the experienced Mahmudullah was at the crease for Bangladesh, and despite some further nervy moments, pushed Bangladesh across the line off the last ball of the 19th over.
But this was a match chiefly decided by Bangladesh’s own outstanding bowling. Mustafizur Rahman was the best among them, using shorter lengths and his cutters efficiently, to claim figures of 3 for 17. Rishad Hossain’s three-for through the middle overs also kept Sri Lanka quiet.
Mustafizur was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s downward spiral through the middle overs, which culminated in a crash-and-burn end. Ultimately, their inability to find boundaries, or even rotate strike against good Bangladesh bowling resulted in their downfall. A score of 125 for 9 always seemed poor on a decent pitch, even if their bowlers made a match of it in the end.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 125 for 8 in 19 overs (Towhid Hridoy 40, Litton Das 36; Dhanajaya de Silva 1-11, Nuwan Thushara 4-18, Wanidu Hasaranga 2-32, Matheesha Pathirana 1-27) beat Sri Lanka124 for 9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 47, Dhananjaya de Silva 21; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-24, Taskin Ahmed 2-25, Mustafizur Rahman 3-17, Rishad Hossain 3-22) by two wickets
[Cricinfo]
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