News

145th Battle of the Blues: Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter Set to Thrill Cricket Fans

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2024

Editor

Cricket enthusiasts across Sri Lanka are gearing up for the much-awaited 145th Battle of the Blues, the prestigious encounter between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College. Scheduled to unfold on the hallowed grounds of the SSC from the 7th to the 9th of March 2024, this historic fixture promises to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, rivalry, and sporting excellence.

Dating back to 1879, the Battle of the Blues stands as one of the oldest and most revered cricketing contests in the world of school cricket. Generations of players have showcased their talent and passion on this grand stage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and forging lifelong memories for players and spectators alike.

This year’s edition of the Royal Thomian encounter holds special significance as both teams vie for supremacy and bragging rights. Royal College, buoyed by their past successes, will be eager to continue their winning streak and maintain their stronghold in the rivalry. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College, determined to turn the tide in their favor, will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

The players have been diligently preparing for this momentous occasion, undergoing rigorous training sessions and honing their skills under the watchful eyes of their coaches and mentors. With months of preparation behind them, they are primed and ready to showcase their talent and determination on the field.

The atmosphere at the SSC Grounds is expected to be electric, as passionate supporters from both schools converge to cheer on their alma maters. From the iconic chants to the sea of blue and black flags, the fervor and intensity surrounding the Battle of the Blues are unmatched, creating an atmosphere that is as exhilarating as the cricket itself.

Adding to the excitement of this year’s encounter is the anticipation of a thrilling contest between bat and ball. With talented players on both sides, the Battle of the Blues promises to deliver moments of brilliance, nail-biting suspense, and unforgettable cricketing drama.

As the countdown to the 145th Battle of the Blues begins, cricket fans across the nation eagerly await the spectacle that is about to unfold. With history, tradition, and sporting prowess on full display, the Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter is set to enthrall audiences and reaffirm its status as the pinnacle of school cricket in Sri Lanka.

Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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