In July 2021, the Petition signed by one thousand, one hundred and fifty six people, was handed over to the Minister of Sports - Hon. Namal Rajapakse.

On Thursday - the 28th of October 2021, amidst much dedication by the joint committee, to ensure all was responsibly in place, the two teams gathered at the SSC Grounds in Colombo under overcast skies, to play the 142nd Battle of the Blues, sans spectators. 

Unfortunately periodic downpours over the grounds and poor light through the day thereafter, made play impossible each time there was an umpire inspection on day one.

However on Friday the 29th of October 2021, with conditions improving, the 142nd Battle of the Blues successfully got under way, thus ensuring the world record that has been held for over a century, was preserved and upheld once again.