The lure and excitement of T20 cricket swept through the Colombo Dawoodi Bohra community this November as 53 young players participated in a week-long cricket league organised by the Bohra Sports Club (BSC).
“All the teams trained rigorously for a month in the lead up—focusing on skills, stamina, and team bonding,” said team captain Mustafa Ismail. “These sessions shaped the competitive yet friendly atmosphere that defined the league,” he continued.
An officially recognised club under the Sri Lanka Cricket Association, BSC has organised tournaments on many formats. From hard-ball fixtures to indoor and street cricket, the Club continues to reinvent itself each year. This year’s league, the organisers said, had a completely novel concept.
“For the very first time, BSC ran a tournament in total compliance with ICC standards,” said organiser Burhanuddin Moiz. Matches were played across several Colombo venues, including Mahara Prison Ground, Panagoda Army Ground and the historic Moors Cricket Club Ground.
The finals unfolded at the Moors Cricket Club Ground, a venue known for hosting professional-level matches. A lively crowd of family and friends gathered to cheer on the players and enjoy a sunlit afternoon of their country’s favourite sport.
“Players of all levels came together, united by their love for the game and their commitment to representing the community with pride,” said another organiser.
Adding to the excitement, former and current cricketing stars, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Farveez Maharoof, lent their support to the tournament.
Beyond the competition, the league focused on nurturing young talent and instilling fair play. Players received recognition for outstanding performances, teamwork, and sportsmanship—values at the heart of this community-led initiative.
BSC is one among several local Dawoodi Bohra cricketing bodies who organise inter-community events on a timely basis. The annual SBT10 is the main fixture of the Dawoodi Bohra sporting calendar where international teams battle it out for the coveted trophy. Such events encourage community members of all ages to come together and share in the spirit of sport, strengthening bonds of friendship and kinship across the community.
Colombo’s Dawoodi Bohra community organises sporting events of all kinds, from badminton and basketball to the increasingly popular pickleball. Yet, cricket remains the undisputed favourite, a reflection of Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing history. With the sport’s unmatched ability to draw community spirit and competitive energy, the BSC Cricket League continues to foster multi-generational connections and remains a highlight in the community’s sporting calendar.