SOFF Overseas Cricket Club Your cricket club in Sri Lanka
30 questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Playing, levels, confirmation, pricing, teams, equipment, travel and groups. If something is still unclear, ask us before booking.

Playing with SOFF

Do I need to bring a full team?

No. An individual can book one available place in a published fixture. Groups can also request their own cricket programme.

Do I need to be an advanced player?

No. SOFF is developing cricket across six levels, from introductory to premier. At launch, public match availability may be concentrated at selected levels while participation grows.

Which levels are available first?

The initial pilot focuses on Level 2 Recreational and Level 3 Experienced Recreational 30-over cricket around the Colombo outskirts. More levels and locations may be added after the operating model is proven.

How do I choose my level?

Read the level descriptions, assess batting and bowling separately, and watch the example clips when available. Provide club or league information and an optional recent video if useful. SOFF may recommend a different level.

What if my batting and bowling are at different standards?

That is normal. Record separate batting, bowling and wicketkeeping ratings in your Player Account.

Am I guaranteed to bat or bowl?

No specific performance, batting position, number of balls, overs, runs or wickets can be guaranteed in ordinary cricket. SOFF will communicate any special participation rules published for a particular format.

What equipment should I bring?

Bring personal protective equipment and playing gear appropriate to the fixture. The match page or briefing will identify any items supplied by SOFF.

Never assume that a bat, helmet, pads, gloves, spikes or clothing will be provided unless confirmed.

Accounts and registration

Does creating an account cost anything?

No. A basic SOFF Player Account is free. Payment is required when booking a paid match or service.

Is a Player Account compulsory?

Yes. A verified account is required before participation because SOFF needs an accurate player profile, contact record, booking history and required acknowledgements.

Can I register before I know my travel dates?

Yes. You can register future interest for a possible visit during the next 24 months without paying or committing to a match.

Price and discounts

How much does a standard match cost?

The current planned standard price is Rs. 20,000 per overseas player per game. The price and exact inclusions are displayed on every fixture page.

How does the newsletter discount work?

An eligible subscriber receives 10% off one standard match when the match date is at least 60 days after the original subscription date. The benefit is linked to a verified Player Account and remains subject to the published conditions.

Can I combine discounts?

Not automatically. Newsletter, group, package, referral and promotional benefits combine only when SOFF expressly says so.

Fixture status and confirmation

What does “Open for Booking” mean?

The fixture is accepting bookings but is not yet confirmed. It must still satisfy its published participation threshold and SOFF’s cricket, operational and financial checks.

How many overseas players are normally required to confirm a game?

The initial published threshold is normally 8 paid overseas players. A specific fixture may state a different threshold where its costs or structure differ.

Does reaching the player number automatically confirm the game?

Not by itself. SOFF must also verify the level mix, ground, opposition, officials, operations and financial viability. The match is confirmed only when its status changes to Confirmed and booked players receive notice.

What happens if the threshold is not reached?

SOFF may extend the decision period where permitted, offer a suitable alternative, apply the payment to another fixture with the player’s agreement, or provide the remedy stated in the checkout terms. The exact terms are shown before payment.

What happens if it rains?

Weather and ground conditions may affect the start time, venue, format, overs or ability to play. The fixture terms explain how weather-related changes and cancellations are handled.

Teams and local cricket

Can overseas players play for the opposition?

Yes. In some fixtures, up to 4 overseas customers may be placed with the opposing side when this has been disclosed and the placement supports a balanced game. They remain SOFF customers and receive the same support.

Who fills the other playing places?

SOFF may use suitable Sri Lankan players, teams or clubs to complete and balance the match. Local participation is organized according to the fixture and playing standard.

Are local players paid?

SOFF intends to agree local player and service-provider arrangements clearly. Where a match payment has been agreed, it is an operating cost—not an equity or investment relationship.

Travel and logistics

Is transport to the ground included?

Only if the fixture or your separate quotation expressly says so. Optional transport may be available for an additional charge.

Can SOFF arrange my entire trip?

SOFF may quote accommodation, transfers, local transport, meals and selected travel services. You can also arrange those independently and book only the cricket. See Travel Services.

Does SOFF arrange visas?

No. Players are responsible for passports, visas, entry permissions and compliance with current travel requirements. SOFF does not provide immigration advice.

Groups, juniors and the future

Can children or junior players participate?

Junior cricket requires a separately approved safeguarding and supervision programme. Junior players cannot book the normal adult pilot through the standard process unless SOFF has specifically opened and approved an appropriate junior fixture.

Can my club or academy arrange several games?

Yes. Submit a group enquiry with your dates, numbers and playing standards. SOFF will review availability and prepare a proposal.

Will SOFF offer cricket outside Colombo?

That is the intention as participation grows and reliable fixtures can be offered. Only published and confirmed locations should be treated as available.

Is Dynamic Cricket available?

It may be tested later as an additional format designed to increase meaningful participation. It is not required for the initial launch, and no Dynamic fixture should be assumed unless specifically published.

Does SOFF own a ground or academy?

Not at launch. SOFF initially uses existing cricket infrastructure and partner relationships. A larger academy is a long-term possibility, not a present facility.

How can I ask a question before booking?

Use the contact form and include the fixture reference, your travel dates and Player Account email where relevant.

Still have a question?

Include the fixture reference, your travel dates and your Player Account email, and we will give you a straight answer.