Galle Titans eye overseas tourneys
July 18, 2023 05:37 pm
The Galle Titans, formerly known as Galle Gladiators, the T20 franchise cricket team featuring in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), is looking to participate in several other leagues overseas with the Galle Titans brand.
This was revealed by the team’s owner Nayana Wasalathilake on Monday (17 July), during a press conference ahead of the 2023 LPL.
“I wanted to do something for my country and I’m proud of being part of this franchise,” the businessman said, adding that he looking forward to contributing to local cricket in the coming years,
The fourth season of the LPL is all set to start on 30 July and will continue till 21 August, with the Galle Titans having commenced their training sessions on Tuesday (18 July).
Revealing his plans, Wasalathilake said that they plan for the Titans to play a few leagues in Dubai and Nepal as a Sri Lankan brand in the future.
He further said that he is not only working to develop cricket but also wants to contribute to developing volleyball and football as well.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Galle Titans Achintha Hewanayake said that although their short-term goal is to win this year’s LPL title, the long-term strategy would be to play in other leagues as well.
“What we focus is on a long-term strategy where we will have a team of at least five or six players playing with us for the next five or seven years. Every year we will look to get three or four youngsters into our team. Our idea is basically to develop the cricket,” he said.
He said they are looking to develop sports in some rural areas in certain provinces including the Uva Province.
Meanwhile, Galle Titans head coach Chamara Kapugedara said his team comprises of both senior players and young players.
“We have picked up a very balanced side in the LPL 2023 Auction and are ready to roar in the upcoming edition. I was looking to give many opportunities for young cricketers to think about the future.
When asked whether the selected overseas players will be featuring in the Galle Titans in this year’s LPL, Kapugedara said “We are looking for several replacements as a couple of overseas players had informed us that they will be featuring in other leagues,”.
Meanwhile, when Galle Titians player Ashan Priyanjana, who was also present at the press conference, was asked whether he expected to join the national team, he said it’s up to the selectors and that he has not given up to get an opportunity to play for the national team again.
