For the first time in history, the Ananda-Nalanda ‘Battle of the Maroons’ will be played as a three-day encounter this year, with its 95th edition set to rock and roll at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds in Colombo from 28 February to 2 March. 

The encounter, which dates back to 1924 and celebrated its centenary since inauguration last year, has always seen a carnival atmosphere with much fanfare even as crowds of thousands are expected at the venue this year as well. 

Playing for Dr. N.M. Perera Memorial Challenge Trophy, the Anandians are led by Ashinsa Nainayaka, with Sadev Samarasinghe leading the Nalanda outfit, the current holders of the trophy after winning it in 2022 under Dineth Samaraweera, having broken a 69-year hoodoo. 

The Anandians last won the encounter in 2003. Ananda with 12 wins leads the tally against Nalanda’s seven. Last year’s game ended in a draw, with both teams sharing honours.

Since the 1970s, the ‘Battle of the Maroons’ has blossomed to become the most productive schools cricket encounter in the island, producing national cricketers of extraordinary talent and cricketing intellect. 

Two of the most noteworthy cricketers the Maroons have produced who have brought glory to Sri Lankan cricket are Bandula Warnapura of Nalanda, who was the first Test Captain, as well as Arjuna Ranatunga of Ananda, the Captain of the World Cup-winning team of 1996. 

This is only a glimpse of the contribution that the two schools have made to Sri Lankan cricket, as they have provided the largest contingent of players to the national cricket squad.

Meanwhile, ‘Parade of the Maroons,’ organised by the ‘Battle of the Maroons’ Joint Organising Committee in association with the Prefects’ Guilds of Ananda and Nalanda Colleges, will be held today (23) from 2 p.m. onwards and is set to end with a gala musical night from 6 p.m. onwards at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre.

The official launch of the 95th ‘Battle of the Maroons’ was held in Colombo recently, with many iconic and legendary players attending the event to inspire the youngsters.