In a heartbreaking moment for Sri Lankan cricket, Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), the defending champions and one of the country’s most prestigious cricket clubs, are almost likely to lose their First-Class status following a first-innings defeat to NCC at Maitland Place. With only two sessions remaining in the match and no realistic chance of securing an outright victory, SSC’s fate is nearly sealed as they face potential relegation from the Premier League Tournament.

SSC, a club with a rich 125-year history, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket, producing generations of national players. Despite boasting a talented squad, the team struggled throughout the season, culminating in this disappointing outcome. Their campaign was significantly impacted by the absence of key national players, who were unavailable due to international commitments.

Although SSC had a squad with several experienced players, they were unable to turn their season around. The club’s potential relegation marks a significant shift in the domestic cricket landscape, as SSC has been a dominant force in Sri Lankan cricket for decades.

Several international players including Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka, Avishka Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwanindu Fernando, and Shevon Daniel plays for SSC.

SSC’s near-relegation will be a bitter pill to swallow for their loyal supporters, players, and the cricketing fraternity. The club now faces a challenging path ahead as they look to rebuild and fight for their place in First-Class cricket in the future. (NewsWire)