Galle Titans eye Overseas Tourneys

The Galle Titans, formerly known as Galle Gladiators, yesterday held a press conference in Colombo ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), and Galle Titans owner Nayana Wasalathilake, CEO of the Galle Titans Achintha Hewanayake, head coach Chamara Kapugedara, Assistant coach Gihan Rupasinghe and player Ashan Priyanjana participated in the discussion  

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 
The Galle Titans, formerly known as Galle Gladiators, the T20 franchise cricket team featuring in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), is looking to participate in several other leagues overseas with the Galle Titans brand, its owner Nayana Wasalathilake revealed yesterday.   
At a press conference ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Wasalathilake said he is looking forward to contributing to local cricket in the coming years.   
The fourth season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is all set to start on July 30 and continue till August 21 and Galle Titans have commenced their training sessions on Tuesday (18).   
“I wanted to do something for my country and I’m proud of being part of this franchise,” franchise cricket team owner turns businessman said.   
Revealing his plans, Wasalathilake said that they are going forward with a plan and in the future the Titans will be looking to play some leagues in Dubai and Nepal as a Sri Lankan brand.   

He further said that he is not only working to develop cricket but also wanted to contribute to developing volleyball and football as well.   
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Galle Titans Achintha Hewanayake said that although their short-term goal is to win this year’s LPL title, the long-term strategy would be to play in other leagues as well.   
“What we focus is on a long-term strategy where we will have a team of at least five or six players playing with us for the next five or seven years. Every year we will look to get three or four youngsters into our team. Our idea is basically to develop the cricket,” he said.   
He said they are looking to develop sports in some rural areas in certain Provinces such as in the Uva Province.   
Meanwhile, Galle Titans head coach Chamara Kapugedara said his team comprises both senior players and young players.   
“We have picked up a very balanced side in the LPL 2023 Auction and are ready to roar in the upcoming edition. I was looking to give many opportunities for young cricketers to think about the future.   

When asked whether the selected overseas players will be featuring the Galle Titans in this year’s LPL, Kapugedara said “We are looking for several replacements as a couple of overseas players had informed us that they will be featuring in other leagues.”   
Meanwhile, when asked Galle Titians Ashan Priyanjana who participated in the press conference whether he expected to join the national team, he said it’s up to the selectors and that he has not given up to get an opportunity to play the national team again.