Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket team is hoping to turn valuable experience gained from the MCA Premier League into a historic maiden title at the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, as the young side departed for Oman on Monday.
Captain Viran Chamuditha believes the opportunity to compete in the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Premier League has provided the squad with an important boost ahead of the continental tournament.
Speaking to the media before the team’s departure, Chamuditha expressed confidence in his side’s preparations and overall balance.
“Playing in the Mercantile tournament has given us a great fillip ahead of the Asia Cup. Virtually everyone in the squad has performed well, and I think it will help us make it to the final. We have a well-balanced unit, and I am confident that we can do well this time,” he said.
The MCA has been providing opportunities for Under-19 cricketers to compete in its Premier League since 2019. The initiative has enabled promising schoolboy players to test themselves against experienced national cricketers representing leading corporate teams, offering them valuable exposure to a higher level of competition.
Sri Lanka will enter the tournament with a strong desire to overcome a long-standing hurdle in their quest for continental glory. Despite reaching the final on five occasions, the island nation has yet to secure the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup crown.
Their most recent appearance in the final came in 2021, when they finished runners-up to India. However, Sri Lanka have failed to progress beyond the semi-final stage in the three editions held since then.
The upcoming 13th edition of the 50-over competition will feature eight nations competing for the coveted title, with all matches scheduled to take place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
For Chamuditha and his young teammates, the challenge is clear: convert their recent competitive experience into consistent performances and finally bring the Under-19 Asia Cup trophy to Sri Lanka for the first time.
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