Sri Lanka is set to make history once again as the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF). This prestigious global tournament will be held across two top-tier venues – the Austasia Sports Complex and the newly constructed U Pro Arena in Thalawathugoda.

The event is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, bringing together nine international teams: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, and host nation Sri Lanka.

The tournament will feature four major categories:

• Men’s Open

• Women’s Open

• Under-22 Boys

• Under-22 Girls

This marks a significant milestone for the CICA, which successfully hosted the World Masters Series just five months ago. Their proven ability to organize world-class events has been a key factor in securing this global competition.

More than 1,000 participants and visitors, including players, coaches, and fans, are expected to attend, making it not just a sporting spectacle but also a boost for sports tourism in Sri Lanka.

This will be Sri Lanka’s second time hosting the Indoor Cricket World Cup, having previously organized it in 2004. The upcoming edition will be the third major international event hosted by CICA within a year, following the England Asia Cup and the World Masters Series.

Historically, Australia has dominated the Men’s division, clinching every title since the competition’s inception. New Zealand has consistently been a strong contender, finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions. In the Women’s division, Australia has also maintained a perfect record, with South Africa and New Zealand trailing behind as regular finalists.

With world-class facilities, strong organizational credentials, and growing international interest, Sri Lanka is poised to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025.

By Sri Lankan Sports TV

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is heating up with some surprising shifts at the top and traditional giants struggling to find form. After the first few rounds, here’s how the standings shape up:

Top of the Table: DC, GT & RCB Lead the Pack

• Delhi Capitals (DC) have made a blazing start to the season, winning all three of their opening matches. With a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.257, they’re showing dominance both with the bat and ball.

• Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are right behind with 3 wins each from 4 games, boasting strong NRRs of +1.031 and +1.015 respectively. Both teams look solid, although GT’s recent loss may raise concerns about consistency.

Mid-Table Battle: PBKS, KKR, LSG, RR in the Mix

• Punjab Kings (PBKS) have shown good promise with 2 wins in 3 matches, staying competitive with an NRR of +0.074.

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are all locked on 4 points. However, their fluctuating form and relatively low NRRs suggest they need to improve quickly to keep pace.

The Struggle Below: MI, CSK, and SRH Falter

• Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are in unfamiliar territory. Each has just one win, with CSK and SRH particularly struggling in the NRR department.

• CSK’s -0.891 NRR reflects a concerning trend in both batting depth and bowling effectiveness, while MI (-0.010) and SRH (-1.629) need urgent tactical reshuffling.

Key Takeaways:

• Unbeaten DC are the team to beat so far.

• RCB’s firepower and GT’s depth keep them in strong contention.

• Traditional powerhouses like CSK and MI must bounce back soon to remain in playoff contention.

• Middle-order teams need consistency to break into the top 4.

With plenty of matches still to be played, the table is likely to see more twists. Keep watching this space for weekly updates!

Sri Lanka’s sprint sensation and Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Yupun Abeykoon, has confirmed his participation in two key international athletic events this year, following a formal request by Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA).

Abeykoon is set to compete in the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship in Ranchi, India, scheduled for May 3–5, and the 26th Asian Senior Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27–31. These events will mark his return to international competition after an extended break due to injury.

Abeykoon, who is currently based in Italy, has already secured the required travel documentation to compete in India. The 29-year-old sprinter missed several major meets over the past two years — including the 2022 Asian Games, the 2022 Asian Athletics Championship in Bangkok, and the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest — due to a lingering foot injury.

Despite his absence from the global stage, he remains the fastest man in South Asia in both the 100m and 200m events and is viewed as a major medal prospect for Sri Lanka in upcoming competitions.

Meanwhile, Asian Games gold medallist Tharushi Karunarathna has opted out of both upcoming championships. Tharushi, who secured the 400m title at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, is currently pursuing higher studies in the United States on a sports scholarship. Her focus is now on long-term preparation, with sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

While she has verbally communicated her unavailability, SLA has requested an official written statement regarding her withdrawal from the two events.

In addition to these regional competitions, Sri Lanka is also gearing up for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, slated for September 13–21, 2025.

With Abeykoon’s return and other emerging talents in the pipeline, Sri Lanka hopes to make a strong impression on the Asian and global athletics circuits in the months ahead.

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