Oxford College of Business (OCB), Sri Lanka’s leading private higher education provider, has proudly come on board as the Platinum Sponsor of the 49th Mustangs Trophy, the prestigious annual one-day cricket encounter between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
First inaugurated in 1975, the Mustangs Trophy has grown into one of the most anticipated events in Sri Lanka’s school cricket calendar. Played shortly after the iconic Battle of the Blues, the one-day encounter offers a faster, high-intensity conclusion to the Royal–Thomian cricket season, bringing together generations of players, alumni, students, and supporters in a celebration of rivalry, tradition, and sporting excellence. The 49th edition, scheduled to take place on 28 March 2026, will once again spotlight one of the country’s most cherished school sporting rivalries.
As Platinum Sponsor, Oxford College of Business is proud to support an event that reflects many of the values the institution holds dear — discipline, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and excellence under pressure. While Oxford College of Business is renowned for academic distinction and professional development, it also firmly believes that education extends beyond the classroom. Sport plays an equally vital role in shaping character, confidence, and the spirit of healthy competition, all of which are essential to developing future-ready leaders.
The Mustangs Trophy was originally established as a shorter-format complement to the traditional three-day Royal–Thomian Big Match, creating a more dynamic limited-overs platform that has since become a marquee event in its own right. Over the years, it has delivered countless memorable moments and closely fought contests, contributing to the rich sporting heritage shared by the two schools. As of the latest series standing, Royal College leads 24–22, following its victory in the 48th edition in 2025, adding even greater anticipation to the upcoming encounter.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Malindu Ranasinghe, Director/CEO of Oxford College of Business, said: “We are delighted to be the Platinum Sponsor of the 49th Mustangs Trophy, an event that represents tradition, excellence, and the enduring power of school sport to inspire generations. The Mustangs Trophy is far more than a cricket match — it is a celebration of heritage, rivalry, camaraderie, and character. At Oxford College of Business, we believe that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned both in the classroom and on the field. By supporting this historic encounter, we are proud to invest in a platform that nurtures resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership among young people. Above all, I give glory to God for the opportunity to support initiatives that uplift and inspire the next generation.”
The 2026 match also carries special significance in the current national context. With the encounter being staged as a day match, it reflects the adaptability and continuity of one of Sri Lanka’s most loved sporting traditions. Even amid changing circumstances, the Mustangs Trophy continues to unite communities and preserve the spirit of school cricket in a way few events can.
Oxford College of Business’s sponsorship of the 49th Mustangs Trophy is part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, community engagement, and holistic leadership development. As an institution that has consistently championed excellence in education, governance, sustainability, and workplace culture, Oxford College of Business sees its role as extending into the wider social fabric of the nation — supporting platforms that build not only academic achievement, but also character and national pride.
This partnership further reflects OCB’s belief that true leadership is forged through experience. Whether in sport, academia, or professional life, success is built on perseverance, courage, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure. These are values embodied by the Mustangs Trophy and shared by Oxford College of Business in its mission to shape principled and high-performing leaders for Sri Lanka and beyond.
As excitement builds for the 49th Mustangs Trophy, Oxford College of Business is honoured to stand alongside one of the nation’s most treasured sporting traditions and to support an event that continues to inspire excellence across generations.