Major Clubs Limited Overs Cricket Tournament concluded last Tuesday with young Murvin Abinash of BRC being adjudged the Best Bowler of the Tournament. This lesser-known bowler gained prominence after claiming figures of 8 for 53 at BRC grounds. Although he was not included NSL four-day tournament but hopes to play in the next NSL Limited Overs tournament.
The 23-year-old off-spinner, a product of St. John’s College Jaffna, performed exceptionally well during this tournament, reaching the highest tally of 23 wickets (tied with Prabath Jayasuriya of SSC and Mithun Jayawickrama of Kandy Customs CC). Abinash produced superb figures of 8 for 53 against Ace Capital CC at their home grounds, BRC. Speaking to the Daily News, Abinash said that he came to Colombo from Jaffna a year before and joined BRC for his maiden club tournament which turned out to be highly successful.
“I knew my best achievement of 8 for 53 was exceptional and it’s a huge boost for me at this stage,” he said.
“One of the ground Managers of BRC invited me to join BRC with former national off-spinner Dilruwan Perera, who was once his coach, and the present club coach Pasan Wanasinghe and my teammates have also been offering tremendous assistance in my progress. Presently I reside in Wellawatte and my hometown town, Jaffna, holds fond memories of being a St John’s cricketer. I captained the St John’s College side in 2009 and I have captured 134 wickets as an off-spinner,” added Abinash.
“I have an idea to stay at BRC and want to gain more experience to reach National level, which is my ultimate goal. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth who was a former Jaffna Central leggie got a chance to play in the LPL, and both myself and Viyaskanth played together at school level. In the big match, Viyaskanth bowled against me and there was a good battle among us but he got an early chance to come to Colombo and my idea was also to stay here and get more exposure,” said Abinash.
“When I was in school, I had an opportunity to play as a top-order left-hand batsman. However, at club level here in BRC, I batted at number 7-8 but always aimed to do my best for the club. My mother and two brothers have been my constant source of encouragement. Especially my elder brother in Australia provides financial support while my younger brother is still a school cricketer at the same school. Despite facing challenges in Jaffna, SLC offered valuable support. My brothers are eager to witness my cricketing journey. My younger brother also plans to come to Colombo after school,” he shared.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Muttiah Muralitheran but I hope to connect with him to seek advice. Chaminhda Vass has been supportive during my time at my Mercantile cricket team. Understanding that the path of an off-spinner involves a long journey, I am hopeful for a better future, he said.
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Daily news
