NCC is a club that has lot of cricketing history to it. Founded in 1888 the club is well known for first class cricket.
The name “Nondescripts” is derived from the fact it was intended to be open to anyone unlike other Colombo-based clubs such as Sinhalese Sports Club, Moors Sports Club and Tamil Union Cricket & Athletic Club which used to be aligned with a particular ethnic group at the time. Today the club has driven a long path down professional cricket. Currently captained by Upul Tharanga, NCC is known as home for many upcoming as well as star cricketers in the industry.
NCC wrapped up the last season being the Premier one day runners up. “I spent only 4 to 5 months with the NCC team and ended up being the runners up. So it’s a great achievement for me. Also a bit unlucky we missed the championship,” lamented the coach of NCC, Sajith Fernando on his involvement in the season. Being the captain of the Sri Lanka A team, Sajith was welcomed to NCC by Ranjith Fernando. “My job here was easy since most of the players were internationals. All what I did was make everyone enjoy the game without putting much pressure on them. The pressure was much of problem because they thought it was the solution to the problem. Some were dropped from national pool and the A division pool. So I made them relax kept the dressing room environment happy.”
Every player at NCC sacrifices a lot of their time on the game. Apart from a couple of members who work parallel to the cricketing career almost every member is involved as full time professional cricketers. Mostly NCC encourages self-practice and for the players move up in their cricketing careers. The players who are part of other cricketing squads are given the opportunity to practice according to their desire. At NCC every player is stimulated to either get more wickets or gain more runs but not pressurized.
The selection process for the NCC squad is simple. It’s solely based on performance. “Since many of the boys who play at the club being professionals they know about it and they were really happy with the system” The performance of each player is closely evaluated. The previous track record will only enable them to take part in the first few games. Based on the performance NCC has given many youngsters the opportunity to play for the club.
NCC has some of the most experienced cricketers to play along with the young and upcoming. Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandhimal and Lasith Malinga are the few iconic players who home at NCC. Though their involvement in the club level is strictly constrained with the international career, the juniors are privileged to play alongside with such cricketers. Apart from which three other players are current representatives of Sri Lanka A team which will also hinder their involvement in the club. For an example with the England A team tour in Sri Lanka the A team members won’t be able to take part in the club cricket process. “But I’m determined to manage the same with the young players,” Mr. Fernando noted.
Among the upcoming players, Niroshan Dikwella is a 20 year old currently in the Sri Lanka A team who already has a very good track record and can be expected to outstand in international cricket in the coming future. Lahiru Madhusanak, Lahiru Udhara, P. H. Kaushal and Sadun Weekrakkodi are four more 20 year olds are currently part of the NCC squad who have already representing Under 19 cricket squad and are to watch out for. “Not forgetting we have many other seniors who can represent Sri Lanka at any given time,” added the head coach of NCC.
As for the youngsters at NCC, they gain much experience being with the national stars. NCC particularly makes sure the experienced bond with the youngsters well and spends a lot of time mentoring. Even the instance where you bat with a national player or share bowling strategies are priceless experiences NCC members get.
Since many of the players at NCC are already part of various national cricket squads, the A team squad, development squad, the bowling squad and etc. , players who attend physical training at NCC are very limited. Currently 6 members who are sole NCC players are involved in physical training at the club. Not only at physical training but every member at NCC already is aware of what it takes to reach the next level in cricket. Mostly all three aspects of the game –batting, bowling and fielding-are valued here. NCC with an additional fielding coach is well balanced. Apart from the team training, special times are allocated to specific goals, from batting bowling to physical training.
Everyone joining NCC are mostly welcomed by the seniors as well as the club. “There are many of us who were lucky enough to represent the national team starting from NCC at a very junior level. I think there’s lot the youngsters can gain from the seniors and tune their paths towards success,” Upul Tharanga worded his thought towards the upcoming players looking forward to join NCC.
Following the Cricket Squad at NCC
1.Upul Tharanga – captain
2.Jehan Mubarak – Vice Captain
3.K. Kulasekara
4.F. Maharoof
5.K. Sangakkara
6.L. Malinga
7.D. Chandimal
8.A. Perera
9.S. Borelassa
10.L. Dickwella
11.C. Vidhanapathirana
12.S. Weerakkody
13.A. Anas
14.C .Dushmantha
15.L. Udhara
16.L. Madhushanka
17.P. H. T. Kaushal
18.P. D. Wickramasinghe
19.T. Chamra
20.I. Jayaseelan
21.S. Madushanka
22.L. Jayasinghe
23.S. Rajaguru
