Legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga, in collaboration with Singer Sri Lanka, has launched ‘Singer Pace Hunt with Lasith Malinga’, a national talent identification and development programme aimed at discovering and nurturing the country’s next generation of pace bowlers.

The inaugural selection session was held at Sugathadasa Stadium, attracting a large number of young cricketers from across the island hoping to represent Sri Lanka at the highest level. Open to fast bowlers aged 17 to 22, the programme is designed to identify promising talent and place selected players on a structured pathway towards professional cricket.

The initiative drew an overwhelming response, with more than 3,000 applications received from aspiring cricketers nationwide. Of these, 350 applicants were shortlisted for the first phase of selection, which involved a demanding 2 km fitness and endurance run to assess their stamina and athletic ability.

Those who successfully completed the fitness test progressed to the next round, where they were required to demonstrate bowling speeds in excess of 135 km/h. Participants who met the benchmark advanced to the next stage of the programme, under which they will receive mentoring and training from Malinga over the coming year.

Speaking about the initiative, Malinga said: “I started this initiative to give back to cricket in Sri Lanka for all that it has given me. I am determined to support the growth of the game and help our team continue to evolve, giving cricket in our country every chance to thrive. I would like to thank Singer Sri Lanka for stepping forward to support this initiative, as well as Sri Lanka Cricket for their continued encouragement.”

Singer Sri Lanka Group Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardene said the company saw the programme as a timely investment in the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

“At a time when Sri Lankan cricket is looking to rebuild and rediscover its strength, we felt it was the right moment to stand behind an initiative that nurtures the next generation of players. Just as Singer proudly supported the game during Sri Lanka’s historic triumph at the 1996 Cricket World Cup, we are pleased to partner with Lasith Malinga and contribute to the future of cricket in our country,” he said.

Singer Sri Lanka and Honor both have longstanding links with cricket in the country. Singer has supported Sri Lanka’s cricketing ambitions for decades, including during the 1996 World Cup victory, while Honor has expanded that association in recent years by sponsoring both the men’s and women’s national teams.

‘Singer Pace Hunt with Lasith Malinga’ is the first of several talent identification camps scheduled to be held this year. At the end of the programme, the top 20 performers will have the opportunity to be recommended for selection to the Sri Lanka Cricket Fast Bowling Academy, providing a direct pathway into professional cricket.

The programme aims to connect young talent with professional opportunities and real-match experience, while making a lasting contribution to the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

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