Empowering Sri Lanka’s future cricketers through the power of belief

Friday, 27 August 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cricket has always been ‘more than just a game.’ It’s not only a part of every Sri Lankan’s life, but throughout recent history has showcased the height of the Sri Lankan spirit. The majority of Sri Lankans are exposed to cricket at a very young age, and it is part and parcel of their lives as kids, and then as adults who dance, scream and cheer at every boundary scored and every wicket that falls.

Cricket is firmly part of Sri Lanka’s legacy as a nation, with the triumph at the 1996 World Cup placing Sri Lanka on the map as ‘Champions of the World’. The game of cricket has always been this nation’s greatest unifier bridging across all walks of life, while bringing together Sri Lankans who continue to believe our Lions to be our greatest pride. Similarly, Dialog chooses to believe in the potential and ability of cricketers through thick and thin by extending its support to those of sporting brilliance, with the goal of cementing Sri Lanka as the leader in international cricket.

Cognisant of the importance and value that cricket holds, the ‘Dialog-SLC Invitational T20 League’ organised by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was concluded on Tuesday. Sri Lanka Cricket’s Grey captained by Dasun Shanaka were crowned champions of the Dialog-SLC Invitation T20 League beating Sri Lanka Cricket’s Reds. The Man of the Finals was awarded to Minod Bhanuka of the Greys, while the skipper of Greys Dasun Shanaka, was named player of the series.

The tournament held from 12 to 24 August to locate the best players within the island’s wide talent pool, and groom them for the upcoming tour of South Africa, and the ‘ICC T20 Cricket World Cup’. Dialog partnered SLC to help identify new talent through this League, which aims to provide adequate inclusive opportunities for players from all around the island.

Having forged a decade-long alliance with Sri Lanka Cricket by consistently supporting the team close to the hearts of all Sri Lankans, Dialog hopes to power the Champions of Tomorrow from around the country by powering this League. This initiative is part of the company’s long-term vision to enhance the growth of both the men’s and women’s national cricket teams across all forms of the game. Dialog’s belief in the future of Sri Lankan cricket is at the heart of this effort and reiterates the company’s unwavering commitment to be a steadfast supporter of cricket, the passion of our nation.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of Sri Lanka’s National Cricket, Rugby, Volleyball and Netball teams. The company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Club Rugby, Schools Rugby, Premier Football, Schools’ Cricket, Junior Volleyball and Paralympic sports – whilst also powering the Army Para Games, National Para Games and the Sri Lanka contingent to the World Paralympic Games.