A Big Match, bigger than just a match

It’s just a game, they may say, but there are moments that dispel that statement with conviction beyond argument. The picture here is one such. A young, possibly little-known teenager with dreams galore, lifted aloft by an old pupil from another generation with pride and happiness. What connects them both? possibly nothing but the bond to their alma mater. It just isn’t a game, when it evokes emotion and fills you with pride like nothing else does

Illustrating the above line of thought is a revelation by a national cricketer in a book released recently on the history of Sri Lankan cricket. He admits the pressure of playing the school big match was higher than the pressure of his Test debut. Anyone outside of Sri Lanka may find it hard to comprehend, but for those who have experienced the thrills and spills of big matches it’s no surprise.

In this context big matches play a massive role in not only shaping the sporting careers of those lucky enough to represent their school in the ultimate game, but also teaches a lesson in coherence, selflessness, and camaraderie in pursuing a common goal with the weight of expectations on young shoulders. Those are experiences which pay dividends not over a short period but a lifetime.

While it’s an investment for those who play, for the rest it’s a moment to cherish. An opportunity to rekindle memories shared over years and perhaps decades. For those on and off the field it’s not just another match but a big match is bigger than just a match.

In this backdrop it’s quite fitting that two of the leading schools from North and West came together to create a legacy of their own through big match culture years back and have managed to grow the tradition despite innumerable volatilities over the years.

Jaffna Hindu College will be visiting their Colombo counterparts from the 30th of June to the 1st of July at the P Saravana Muttu Stadium Colombo, for the 12th battle of the Hindus to continue the tradition of their big match rivalry, which incidentally is across provinces, unlike many other schools which are situated in proximity. While the on-field action is sure to be engrossing off the field too many events have been lined up. Celebrating a rich debate culture prevalent in both institutions, a debate will be held setting up a battle of finesse within an auditorium, complementing the battle of firepower within the cricketing cauldron.

The big match tradition is a recent integration into the culture of both schools, continuously taking place since 2013, after having been one-off occurrences in 1981/82 and thereafter in 2005. The commitment to the cause was shown last year as the event found a way to take place despite the massive economic hardships the country was experiencing.

It wasn’t surprising as the love for the game has been ever present and the old boys’ associations ensured the younger generation experienced the thrills and spills without interruption come what may. The dedicated role played by both Old Boys Associations in making this annual event a successful and consistent showpiece is admirable.

Also, in order to provide the old boys with a chance to get a feel for the vibe of what it may have been had this culture existed during their time a past pupils game too will be held following the big match on July 2 at the same venue.

Put all these together the battle of the Hindus isn’t merely a big match but bigger than just a match. There are reasons galore to help your memories channel a dopamine surge both on and off the field.

It surely is a carnival not to be missed wherever you are. After all, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the past and shape memories for the future while finding out whether one will prevail over another on the back of a drawn encounter last year. Will Colombo Hindu College add to their tally of three wins or will the Jaffna counterparts record their second win? Irrespective of the outcome it’s sure to be a battle worth the attention.