With a strong set of acquisitions for the 2016/17 season, the Colombo Cricket Club, rather commonly known as CCC will look to set the record straight as they set out to relive their golden days.

Bit of History 

Established in 1832, this prestigious club is in the vicinity of the two historic rivals NCC and SSC in Maitland Crescent area. Having sheltered many former Sri Lankan National team players such as the “Matara Mauler” Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama, Jehan Mubarak and Chamara Kapugedara amid their ranks, CCC have an illustrious history having bagged 5 Premier League titles.

However, CCC have been starved of success since 2007. Last year, under the leadership former Sri Lanka U19 and Trinity College skipper Sachith Pathirana, CCC ended in a respectable 5th position come the conclusion of the Super 8 phase of the longer format. 

Key players 

Lakshan Sandakan was undoubtedly the shining light for the CCC lads in rather demoralizing super 8 campaign. After leading the wicket taking charts with 52 caps at an impressive average of 23.19, Sandakan booked a spot in the National set up which whitewashed the Australians on home soil. He no doubt will be one of the key players for the men in red to lead the charge with the ball. 

This year’s skipper Sachith Pathirana was no second to Sandakan’s feet as he bagged 45 scalps at an average of 29.62 ending as one of the top 5 wicket takers in the league. 

Photo Album: Colombo Cricket Club | Full Squad 2016/17

Despite losing the experience of Hans Fernando from their ranks, CCC still have the services of Nisham Mazahir, an experienced campaigner who is pipped to score runs and anchor the middle order. Once again the likes of Lasitha Abeyratne, the wicket keeper batsman would proved pivotal not only with his glove-work but also with his batting prowess and Akila Jayasundara, the former Trinitian will certainly step out to prove a point. 

Recent yet decent acquisitions 

Former Trinitian and fast bowler Lahiru Gamage would prove significant for the lads in red with his skiddy pace and recent experience gathered on Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe. The abundance of experience provided by the likes of Ashan Priyanjan, Dilshan Munaweera, Madawa Warnapura and Lahiru Madushanka paired with the youthful exuberance of Wanidu Hasaranga will certainly amp the charge for the lads from the Maitland Crescent this year. 

Coaching staff. 

Tharanga Dammika is a renowned coach in the Sri Lanka domestic circuit. With his title winning heroics with the Bloomfield setup in the 2010/11 season along with his stints with Nalanda College and Navy SC, he has some invaluable experience under his belt to drive CCC to glory. After a decent maiden season with CCC, coach Dammika will no doubt want to go a few steps further in terms of laying claim to this year’s title.