Sri Lanka’s national football team is gearing up for an exciting campaign in the AFC Asian Cup qualification third round after a thrilling play-off victory over Cambodia in September 2024. The Lions secured qualification with a dramatic penalty shootout win (4-2) after a 2-2 aggregate result in the second leg, following a goalless draw in the first match.

Despite a setback against Myanmar in October, with a 2-0 loss in the first match and a goalless draw in the second, Sri Lanka is now shifting focus to the crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Sri Lanka Football Fixtures – AFC Asian Cup Qualification

• March 25, 2025 – Thailand vs. Sri Lanka (Away)
• June 10, 2025 – Sri Lanka vs. Chinese Taipei (Home)
• October 9, 2025 – Sri Lanka vs. Turkmenistan (Home)
• October 14, 2025 – Turkmenistan vs. Sri Lanka (Away)
• November 18, 2025 – Sri Lanka vs. Thailand (Home)
• March 31, 2026 – Chinese Taipei vs. Sri Lanka (Away)

Sri Lanka’s Road to AFC Asian Cup 2027

With a mix of home and away matches, Sri Lanka aims to secure a strong position in the qualification group. The matches against Thailand and Turkmenistan will be key challenges, while the clash against Chinese Taipei presents a crucial opportunity to gain vital points.

As Sri Lanka’s national football team continues its journey, fans can follow live updates, match previews, and in-depth analysis on Sri Lankan Sports TV. Stay tuned for exclusive insights on Sri Lanka football news, AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and Sri Lanka’s performance in international football.

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In a recent development, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), in consultation with Cricket Australia (CA), has revised the schedule for Australia’s inbound tour to Sri Lanka, which is set to commence on 29 January 2025. The revised itinerary includes an additional One-Day International (ODI), providing fans with an extra dose of high-quality cricket action.

Revised Schedule Highlights

The tour, which was initially scheduled to feature only a single ODI and two Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, will now include two ODIs. This adjustment comes as a boost for Australia, offering crucial preparation ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, slated to begin on 19 February.

For Sri Lanka, however, this will mark the first time they miss out on the prestigious Champions Trophy, having failed to meet the qualification criteria. Despite this setback, the home side will be keen to make a statement in the limited-overs format against a formidable Australian team.

Tour Schedule in Detail

First Test: 29 January – 2 February, Galle

Second Test: 6 – 10 February, Galle

First ODI: 12 February, Colombo

Second ODI: 14 February, Colombo

Key Context

The additional ODI has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts, with both teams looking to fine-tune their strategies. For Australia, the two-match ODI series serves as an ideal opportunity to experiment and finalize combinations ahead of the global tournament.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will aim to make the most of the home advantage, as they strive to rebuild confidence after missing out on the Champions Trophy. The Tests in Galle are expected to be fiercely contested, given the spin-friendly conditions that traditionally favor the hosts.

Colombo, Sri Lanka — December 20, 2024
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a monumental step toward better governance, transparency, and inclusivity with the approval of significant constitutional amendments during an Extraordinary General Meeting. These reforms mark a turning point in SLC’s commitment to modernizing its operations and promoting fair representation.

Key Reforms Include Reduction in Voting Members

One of the most transformative changes is the reduction in voting members from 147 to 60. This new voting structure links voting rights to the level of cricket played by member clubs, ensuring a fairer representation for stakeholders. Eligible clubs and associations will now have an equal vote, paving the way for more equitable and efficient decision-making processes.

New Committees to Enhance Transparency

To bolster financial accountability and governance, SLC has introduced three pivotal committees:

• Audit Committee
• Investment and Budget Committee
• Related Party Transactions Committee

These committees aim to strengthen oversight mechanisms, ensuring transparency in SLC’s financial and administrative dealings.

Appointment of 2025 Election Committee

Another milestone was the unanimous appointment of the Election Committee for 2025, chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Malanie Gunaratne. This five-member team is tasked with preparing for the upcoming SLC elections in 2025, laying the groundwork for fair and transparent electoral processes.

Implications for Cricket in Sri Lanka

These amendments are designed to promote merit-based leadership, inclusivity, and professionalism across SLC’s operations. By aligning membership with meaningful contributions to cricket, SLC aims to create a sustainable and competitive cricketing ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

A Step Toward the Future

The approved reforms are hailed as a critical step in transforming Sri Lanka Cricket into a model of governance and efficiency. With an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and merit, SLC is setting the stage for a new era of cricket development.

Stay updated with the latest developments in Sri Lanka Cricket and its journey toward excellence.