Gopalan Trophy abandoned on fourth day

Torrential rain spoilt the revival of the historic Gopalan Trophy, when the last day's play, in the four-day encounter between the visiting Tamil Nadu Cricket Association XI and the Colombo District Cricket Association XI, had to be abandoned without a ball being bowled, leading to an automatic call-off at the Singhalese Sports Club grounds, Colombo.

Play was called off at 1:00 pm after the two umpires decided that no play would be possible due to continuous rain since early morning. Play was only possible on the third days play, after there were no play on first two days of the match with the home side on top. At close of play yesterday, CDCA were two wickets down for 82 in 29 overs in reply to Tamil Nadu's 168 all out in 62 overs.

Skipper of Tamil Nadu team, Ashish Kapoor did not seem to be a happy man after the interruptions for rain throughout the tournament, which was revived after 17 years.

"It was frustrating to be confined to indoors, and the boys are really down having not gone out and played." said an emotionally charged Kapoor. He further said, "with this type of weather, it was difficult for them to find the form, because they were clueless as to when they were going to play."

Listen to Tamil Nadu Captain

Carlton Bernadus, the coach of the CDCA XI said: "it was an opportunity missed for these budding youngsters to show their prowess against foreign opposition and then get selected to the national side."

"There were few promising players in the side, the youth openers Jehan Mubarak and Ian Daniels blended well, new found all-rounders Kaushalya Weeraratne and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, continued their good form, while especially Hashan Thilakeratne showed some maturity, despite all subdues behind and he would back in the national side soon", said an observant Bernadus.

Listen to CDCA coach

The curator of the SSC, Ranil Abeynaike said the ground is not fit for tomorrow's one-day encounter and wet wicket conditions and the soggy outfield along with the prevailing weather condition confirmed that no play would be possible tomorrow too.

The organizers of the tournament said there were no winners of the Gopalan Trophy, while the FC De Saram Trophy will be awarded to CDCA for their victory in the second game.