A forgotten army of club cricketers rise above unseen injustice, as Angelo Matthews hints at hidden battles behind Colts’ historic title triumph in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket.
Away from the public glare and far from the spotlight that usually follows championship victories, a determined group of unsung club cricketers quietly achieved what many thought was impossible, clinching the top prize against all odds.
Newly crowned Premier League cricket champions Colts Cricket Club had to navigate relentless challenges, dodge unseen obstacles, swim against powerful undercurrents, and carefully avoid conflict as they pushed forward in silence to secure the prestigious First Class inter club title during their 150th year in existence, all away from the prying eyes of the public.
To many cricket followers who were unaware of the deeper realities, the players representing Colts endured what can only be described as some of the harshest levels of injustice. Yet, despite these setbacks, they emerged victorious, outperforming more favored teams to claim the top prize in domestic cricket, a tournament that continues to shape the future of Sri Lanka cricket and player careers.
Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Matthews, known for his loyalty, resilience, and selfless commitment to the game, stood as one of the few who witnessed the full extent of the team’s journey throughout the 2025 to 2026 domestic season. “We fought against all odds”, Matthews revealed as Colts honored their championship winning squad after securing the Major League tournament title. “My team will know when I say against all odds, not only against the opposition but so many other things to win the championship”.
That Matthews chose not to reveal names or expose the specific challenges faced by the team is perhaps understandable within a national cricket environment where certain realities never find their way into official scorecards, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions about the hidden struggles within Sri Lanka domestic cricket.
Colts entered the tournament without a roster of big name stars, apart from Matthews and the often overlooked former Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal. However, what they lacked in star power, they compensated with unity, discipline, and a strong support structure led by former Sri Lanka batsman Chaminda Mendis under the guidance of club president Nishantha Ranatunga. This collective effort ensured the team maintained high standards both on and off the field, ultimately delivering consistent performances.
“It’s nice to be appreciated and felicitated for all the hard work. We were a family and pulled towards one direction although we had our miscommunications and disagreements”, said Matthews, who has remained loyal to Colts Cricket Club for over two decades, dating back to his early days as a school cricketer.
Yet, it was Dinesh Chandimal who stood tall at the most critical moment of the campaign. A player who has often faced unfair criticism and inconsistent treatment in Sri Lanka cricket circles, Chandimal delivered when it mattered most during the decisive final clash against the elite Nondescripts Cricket Club at the neutral venue in Pallekele.
Facing a daunting first innings target of 431, Chandimal stepped up under immense pressure. Known for his fighting spirit, he produced a masterclass innings of 144, proving once again his ability to perform in high pressure situations and reaffirming his place among Sri Lanka’s finest red ball cricketers.
He found strong support in Sanoj Dharshika, a relatively unknown batsman from Prince of Wales College, who contributed an unbeaten century. Together, they guided Colts past NCC’s imposing total of 431. Despite losing eight wickets in the process, the team displayed remarkable composure and resilience to secure the championship in what was a truly intense contest.
For Chandimal, this innings marked a moment of redemption. No longer burdened by the role of a scapegoat, he demonstrated that he still possesses the skill, temperament, and determination required to compete at the highest level in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket setup. Fittingly, he was awarded the best batsman title by legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Roy Dias, who himself began his club career with Colts and has long championed the values of discipline and sportsmanship.
With this victory, Colts Cricket Club has firmly established itself as a dominant force in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket scene. Their triumph sends a strong message to other teams, setting a new benchmark for performance, unity, and resilience. Head coach Anil Rideegammanagedera, who played a crucial role in guiding the team, understands better than anyone the strength and depth within this squad.
“We took it match by match and man for man we gauged our strengths with just one goal in mind and controlled our emotions”, said Rideegammanagedera, highlighting the disciplined and focused approach that defined their campaign.
The strength of Colts was not limited to a few standout players. The team’s depth and balance were evident throughout the season. Muditha Lakshan, another emerging talent from DS Senanayake College, excelled as the best all rounder, while Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya finished with an impressive tally of 53 wickets to claim the best bowler award.
Captain Dhananjaya Lakshan, along with Sangeeth Cooray, Kavishka Anjula, Ravindu Rashantha, Uditha Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, and Dunith Wellalage, may not have been traditionally associated with championship winning teams. However, they brought the hunger, commitment, and team spirit necessary to form the most complete club side of the season.
In addition, players such as Ravindu Lakshan, Uditha Madushan, Sheron Fonseka, Harshana Wickremasinghe, Yohan Mendis, Shalin de Mel, and Shriram played equally vital roles in ensuring Colts maintained its momentum throughout the tournament. Their collective effort and unity made them inseparable from the club’s success story.
In the end, Colts Cricket Club’s triumph was not just about winning a title. It was a story of resilience, silent battles, and unwavering belief. It was about a group of cricketers who refused to be defined by adversity and instead chose to rise above it, rewriting their own narrative in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket history.
