By Srian Obeyesekere

King Cricket, steeped in a tradition since age old flannel clad Englishmen planted the game as a recreational past time, weeded and sorted into fully fledged refinement descended as a highly professional sport administered by a world governing body in a magnificent ascent of a three format fascinating life heartthrob to millions, is all set to descend in its most exhilarating fast fad.

Yes, the shortest format fad T20 World Cup’s 10th edition is almost here in Sri Lanka. Its enveloping influence over Sri Lanka, co-host along with India. The pick up has been fabulous as the trophy tour continues since this January month with the annual showpiece country by country parade firing up the imagination of cricket crazy Sri Lankans immersed with the game. At no better a time when the cricket has hotted up with the very inventors of the game England on tour that has hit the upswing of their second phase 3-match T20 series in Kandy’s hill country Pallekelle where the lung opener takes place today with the coincidential trophy tour hitting the hill capital in its second phase of that grand display in such a heat. What with the very countdown to the world cup, but a fistful of days at a hand’s throw from unfolding by the curtain raiser on Sri Lankan shores this February 7 as fans all ready armed with the tickets in hand in anticipation of the exploding action as they prepare to cheer their Sri Lankan Lions on all ready to eat, drink and sleep cricket as the catch phrase goes.

Indeed, the cup build up is to the February 7 curtain raiser when history will be made when the newly floodlit Singhalese Sports Club, SSC will be the hosting ground. A pride for all-time given the venue’s 126-year old haven to the game here as one of the oldest of its type.