Kerala all set to host a cricket match between Kerala prisoners and Lanka jail officials

In past six months, the affectionate concordance between India and Sri Lanka is quite evident and seems to be playing cricket with each other for quite some time now. Earlier this year, India toured the island for a full series, and now the Islanders have toured India to play all three formats. This may not sound interesting, but a series between the prisoners of the sub-continent playing cricket against jail officials of the island nation will surely be the first of its kind in the history of the two countries.

If everything goes as per the plan, this idea will definitely be turned into an action where spectators will get a chance to witness a unique game of cricket. Jail DGP R Sreelekha has submitted a recommendation in this regard to the state government. The deputy inspector general (Prisons) has been entrusted with the task of reviewing the preparations and conducting of the match, told the First Post.

Sri Lankan officials to touch Kerala

The Sri Lanka Prison Department have expressed their desire to make the thought into action. It has been believed that the department shares a cordial relation with Kerela and a cricket match is on expected lines. The source also added that officials from Sri Lanka are all set to touch Southern state to see various innovative initiatives launched by Kerela Prison for the welfare of its prisoners.

Speaking to PTI, Poojappura Central Jail superintendent S Santhosh said, “Cricket is a common factor between India and Sri Lanka. Lankan prison officials have conveyed to us the idea of conducting the cricket matches. If everything goes as planned, one match will be held between Kerala’s prisoners and Lankan prison officials. The next will be the jail officials of Kerala and Sri Lanka,” he said.

Camp for the prisoners

We do not have the precedence of conducting such a cricket match. So, we have to identify potential talent. We are planning to organise a camp for prisoners at the open prison at Nettukaltheri. A separate camp for jail officials would be held at the State Institute of Correctional Administration (SICA), the official added.

Lastly, if the sources are to be believed, this match is expected to happen at an International Stadium if they get a green tick from government officials. However, if that’s not the case they might choose Medical College Ground or even St Xavier’s College ground.