Tamil Union marks 125 years — a century and a quarter of cricketing glory

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The world’s highest wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan, who represented Tamil Union throughout his career, was felicitated at the club’s 125th anniversary. Club Secretary Anish Parathalingam, President Rev. Ramesh Schaffter, and Chief Guest Michael Tissera are also present

Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, one of Sri Lanka’s proudest cricket clubs, celebrated its 125th anniversary in grand style at the City of Dreams in Colombo on Friday. It was a night to remember, with over 300 guests — past and present Test cricketers, club members, officials from sister clubs and Sri Lanka Cricket — gathering under one roof to salute a club that has stood tall for a century and quarter.

The P. Sara Oval, Tamil Union’s cherished home, has been the stage for many golden chapters in the island’s cricketing tale — long before Sri Lanka earned its Test cap. It hosted the country’s inaugural Test against England in 1982 and the nation’s first ever Test win, over India, three years later — memories etched deep in the game’s folklore.

During the glittering ceremony, players who donned national colours through Tamil Union, along with the club’s past captains, presidents and secretaries, were honoured for their services with bat, ball and clipboard alike.

Club Secretary Anish Parathalingam opened the evening by underscoring the immense role Tamil Union has played in turning Sri Lankan cricket into a world force, while President Rev. Ramesh Schaffter paid tribute to generations of selfless individuals who had kept the flame burning bright.

Former Ceylon captain Michael Tissera, the Chief Guest, recalled the Oval’s rich heritage — including his own brush with glory when he drove the great Wesley Hall to the fence off the final ball to complete a century against the mighty West Indies.

The night reached its emotional high when two stalwarts — Muttiah Muralitharan, the world’s leading wicket-taker and Chandra Schaffter, at 95 the nation’s oldest living cricketer — received special mementos. Muralitharan, who wore Tamil Union colours throughout his first-class career, remains its crown jewel, while Schaffter, who joined as a teenager and went on to captain, serve as secretary and president, now stands proudly as Patron — the club’s living bridge across generations.