V.T. Mahalingam Memorial T/20 Trophy – 2017

Thirunelvely Cricket Club emerged champions of the VT Mahalingam memorial premier league T20 cricket tournament defeating Jaffna University by 19 runs in the final played at Jaffna Central College grounds.

The tournament conducted by the Jaffna District Cricket Association among its 24 affiliated clubs saw Thirunelvely CC win the toss and batting first scoring 129-9 off their 20 overs. In reply Jaffna University were dismissed for 105. The winners were awarded the VT Mahalingam memorial challenge trophy by chief guest N Vethanayagam, Government Agent/District Secretary Jaffna.

The tournament was sponsored by Senior Attorney-at-Law Jaffna VT Sivalingam, bother of late Mahalingam who died under tragic circumstances opposite the Depot Police, Bambalapitiya in a motor cycle-jeep collision on November 3, 1966.

Mahalingam was an outstanding sportsman having captained Jaffna Central at cricket, athletics and soccer in one year when he was also the Head Prefect. He also excelled at the Public Schools meet in the long jump and high jump events captaining the Jaffna side that won the Outstation Tarbet Shield in 1962. Mahalingam was a sub-inspector attached to the Maradana Police when he met with his tragic death at the age of 23.