Farveez Maharoof to lead Sri Lanka in the Hong Kong Sixes

Hong Kong Sixes 2017 is just a day away as the eight teams have confirmed their participation along with the hosts Hong Kong. The tournament is making a comeback after five years as the last edition of the competition was played in 2012. All the teams participating have announced their squads and Sri Lanka are the latest.

Sri Lanka Cricket has named the seven players that will participate in the tournament. That said, there are eight other teams which are participating. Out of those eight teams, Marylebone Cricket Club, the Lord’s based club and the guardian of the game have confirmed their participation for the first time.

Maharoof to captain Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has been named the captain for the Hong Kong Sixes. He will lead the platoon of six players which include Andy Solomons, Tillakaratne Sampath, Angelo Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ramith Rambukwella, and Jeevan Mendis. The tournament is to be played on the 28th and the 29th of October.

Maharoof has plenty of experience under his belt to lead a side in an exhibition tournament. Sri Lanka, however, is placed in a tough group with Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Maharoof hasn’t played for Sri Lanka in the internationals since 2016 and has been ousted from the Tests as well. It will be tough for the Lankan team to beat the likes of Australia and New Zealand.

Sri Lanka squad:

Farveez Maharoof (Captain), Andy Solomons, Tillakaratne Sampath, Angelo Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ramith Rambukwella, Jeevan Mendis, Eric Upashantha (Manager)

The other seven teams to participate in the tournament are, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand Kiwis, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, South Africa and Marylebone Cricket Club. MCC is making its debut in the Hong Kong sixes as it is playing in the tournament with a sole intention of increasing the awareness of cricket in China.