Cumbria Cricket aiming to visit Sri Lanka in spring 2024

Cumbria Cricket are hoping to play five games against Sri Lankan opposition when they visit the South Asian country next year. 

Two representative teams of U18s will be heading to Sri Lanka on March 27. There will be one girls team and one boys team, marking the first time that Cumbria Cricket has sent two teams to tour in another country.

The 13-day tour promises to be a life-changing experience for all involved.

Cumbria Cricket have already raised more than £7,000 from fundraising events, with former cricketers Paul Nixon and Paul McKeown guests at a recent evening at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

That night would bring in more than £5,000 alone thanks to an online auction, an on-the-night auction, and raffle, as well as a game of heads and tails.

Earlier in the year, Cumbria Cricket also ran a golf day at Kendal Golf Club, raising over £2k which was well attended by various businesses and Cumbrian cricket clubs.

A post from Cumbria Cricket wrote: "At the heart of Cumbria Cricket is the mission to make the sport inclusive for all. The organization is focused on removing affordability as a barrier to play and providing opportunities for players of all backgrounds. The tour is a prime example of that commitment to inclusivity.

"We are seeking support from the community to make this tour a success. There are several ways in which individuals and businesses can help, including sponsorships, advertising, and donating gifts for a raffle or auction at the tour dinner. Any support would be greatly appreciated and can make a significant difference in the success of this historic tour.

Lake District Estates will serve as the shirt sponsor for the trip, and they, along with several other businesses, have been very generous and will get their names in the tour brochure to be published early in the new year.

Players have also done their own fundraising over the last eight months and this will continue into 2024.