MCA Cricket Academy to compete at 2023 Global Academy Cricket Championships in UK

The Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Cricket Academy will participate at the 2023 Global Academy Cricket Championship conducted by the International Council of Cricket Academies which is to be held  in Nottingham United Kingdom from 16th to 26th July.

The Championship is to be held in the under 13, 15, 17 and 19 age group categories and the MCA have entered teams for the under 15 and 19 age categories.

The MCA Cricket Academy under 15 squad :

Abeeth Paranawidana (Captain, S.Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia), Vishan Gunasekera (Colombo International School), Vihanga Ratnayake (St Benedict’s College Kotahena), Lavindu Samarawickrema (Horizon International), Ayaaz Kanaka (S. Thomas’s College), Anikesh Perera (St Joseph’s College), Navinthu Akein (Mahanama College), Yonal Mendis (St Joseph’s College), Nathen Malwana (Ananda College), Imeth Perera (Lycium International), Sadiw Nethsara (East Asian International), Venuka Perera (St Peter’s College), Buwana Aththanayaka (Royal College), Aken Atapattu (Isipathana College) and Chamindu Sandakelum (Subarathi MV)

The under 15 team are to play MCC Junior West USA, Select Cricket Academy UK, Ramah Sports Acadamy Zimbabwe, Desert Cubs ‘Knights’ UAE and MLC Junior East USA in the first round.

The MCA Cricket Academy under 19 squad:

Adithya Hettiarachchi (Captain, Ananda College) Rithil Suraweera (Vice Captain, St Peter’s College), Hiruka Eashwara (D S Senanayaka College), Thenuka Fonseka (D S Senanayaka College), Nikitha Peiris (Nalanda College), Dheeraka Aththanayaka (Royal College), Enuka Wijewardena (Nalanda College), Minew Paranawithana (Nalanda College), Sathsara Bogahawatta (St Benedict’s College), Senuda Disanayaka (Thurstan College), Hamdan Dilshard (Wesley College), Ashen Cooray (Royal International Institute), Rovin Maiarachchi (Stafford International) and Dineth Jayakody (St Joseph’s College)

The under 19 team will play MLC Junior West USA, Desert Cubs ‘Legends’ UAE, Select Cricket Academy UK, Coaching Beyond Cricket Academy India, and MLC Junior East USA in the first round

MCA President Nalin Wickremasinghe,  Vice President & Chairman Cricket Development Committee Sirosha Gunatilake, Secretary Cricket Development Committee P K Abeygunasekera, General Manager Wilmot Jayasinghe,  Member Tournament Committee Anil Hapugoda and Assistant Coach Dinuka Godakanda are to accompany the teams.

The players are to meet their own airfare and lodging while the MCA will provide other logistics including playing kits and a training session held at Radella.  Chance Sports and 3DH International  provided the two squads with cricket bags which were handed over at a press briefing held at the MCA on Tuesday (11)