Internet Desk: Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) are set to host a T20 tri-series which also features India and Bangladesh. The series will be played in March to celebrate the 70th year of independence of Sri Lanka.
The Lankan Cricket Board has confirmed that there will be 7 T20 games to be played between the teams from March 8 to March 20 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
As per the schedule both teams will face each other twice and the final will be played on March 20.
The tri-series, which will be known as the Nidahas Trophy, will also mark the 70th year of the SLC.
On being asked about the tournament, BCCI CEO, Rahul Johri said, “We are privileged to be a part of Sri Lanka’s 70th year celebrations, there is no closer friend to the BCCI than Sri Lanka [and Bangladesh] and when Mr. Sumathipala first floated this invitation, there was almost instant agreement that the Indian Team would participate for this reason.”
SLC President, Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, [the visionary behind this 2018 edition as well as the Nidahas Trophy 1998 – played in celebration of Sri Lanka’s and Sri Lanka Cricket’s 50th year] stated,“70 years is a long journey, and one that needs to be commemorated and celebrated. We are happy that our closest neighbours, who share more or less the same journey of independence are joining us in this celebration, which we believe will be a milestone and an augur of the great things to come in the annals of cricket.”
Speaking at the launch, Bangladesh Cricket Board President, Nazmul Hassan Papon, stated that “the support and contribution of Sri Lanka [and India] in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey could not be overemphasized, and that this invitation was a clear testament to what a good friend Sri Lanka has been to Bangladesh’s Cricket.” He added, “This Tournament too, would no doubt continue to strengthen the bonds between the 3 nations”.