Lanka-bound bolwers get GGIC support

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Golden Gate International College (GGIC) today handed over two-way air tickets for fast bowlers Amrit Bhattarai and Chandra Saud, who are going to play for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club in the Sri Lanka U-23 Inter-club Cricket League beginning from June 8.

GGIC Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Silwal gave away the tickets to the national team bowlers. Silwal said it was just a small initiation for the national cricketers. “We are pleased to help the players as the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and National Sports Council did not take any initiation. Moreover, we are thankful to the coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who has generated hopes in Nepali cricket by sending the players abroad,” said Silwal. “The departure of our players to participate in professional league would be beneficial for us, the sports authorities should also help them,” said Silwal.

Silwal also announced scholarships for the duo. “We would provide them academic scholarship for 10+2 to Masters Level in any discipline,” added Silwal.

Coach Dassanayake said Nepali players have potentials to play professional league abroad. “When I took charge of the team in October last year, I was impressed with some talented boys,” said Dassanayake. Dassanayake said that cricketers should keep playing as much as they can rather than sitting idle for more than six months.”

He added that it was a great opportunity for Amrit and Chandra to learn cricketing culture while playing in Sri Lanka. “Although, they have to manage all expenses on their own, it would be valuable exposure for them. If they impress, more Nepali players will get chance to play on foreign land,” said Dassanayake.

Amrit said he would give his best in Sri Lanka. “We are grateful to the coach for providing with such an opportunity,” said Amrit.

The Sri Lankan club will arrange the accommodation while the players will have to manage the fooding expenses on their own. Each team in the U-23 League will play six three-day and as many one-dayers. The cricketers are scheduled to leave for Colombo on Monday.