Women’s Cricket receives shot in the arm from MCA

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 01:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Girls at an MCA Cricket Academy training session

Text and pic by P D DE SILVA

With the success the seven men’s cricket tournaments have achieved, the Executive Committee of the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to give women’s cricket in Sri Lanka a boost by introducing a women’s cricket tournament for the corporate sector.

With the international recognition women’s cricket has gained at present, it is no secret that there are still many talented lasses aspiring to reach the zenith of the game.

Even though Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the game’s governing body, together with the Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA), has taken measures to promote girls’ cricket in schools, a considerable number of talented players, especially in the provinces, do not have the opportunity to be recognised.

It is the MCA’s belief that, with the introduction of an MCA Women’s Cricket Tournament, the corporate sector will be encouraged to field teams, and in doing so will support talented lasses and school leavers by providing them with employment as well as the opportunity to realise their aspirations in the women’s cricket arena.

At present, in addition to the seven major men’s tournaments, the MCA organises the Mercantile Six-a-Side tournament, the Over-40 Sixes competition, the 20x20 league, and the esteemed MCA Inter Academy Invitational tournament.

As an initial step, the MCA will conduct a women’s six-a-side softball cricket tournament for corporate sector teams on 23 May 2026 at the Mercantile Cricket Association grounds.