Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Test Tour of South Africa 2024

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya acknowledged the significant challenges awaiting his team as they prepare for a crucial two-match Test series against South Africa, starting 29 November. The first Test will be played at Kingsmead, Durban, starting 29 November, with the second Test at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha.

Jayasuriya, along with selection committee head Upul Tharanga, who was also present at a media briefing at SLC headquarters on Thursday, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and stressed the importance of these Tests in securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

“The two Tests in South Africa will be a huge challenge. We know what’s in front of us, but we believe we can do well in these games. We are giving our 100% effort, and the players are fully committed to representing their country with pride,” Sanath said, highlighting the upcoming challenge of playing in South Africa.

Following a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in their last Test series at home, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a place in the WTC final at Lord’s. Their remaining matches include Tests against South Africa and Australia, both of whom are also in the race. A clean sweep of these four games would secure Sri Lanka 69.23%, ensuring a spot in the final. Winning three and losing one would still leave them with a chance at 61.54%, depending on other results.

Sanath also noted the challenge of not having a practice match before the South Africa series due to scheduling constraints. “We were playing in Sri Lanka until just two days ago, so we won’t be able to get a practice match in South Africa. However, most of the red-ball cricketers, including the captain, have been in South Africa for two weeks to adjust to the conditions. We’re doing our best to acclimatize, even without a practice game. It would have been ideal, but unfortunately, the calendar didn’t allow it.”

Sanath also praised Pathum Nissanka for his exceptional form across all formats. “The way Pathum works in the nets is unbelievable. His commitment to improving his batting and addressing weak areas is impressive. He has an incredible work ethic, and I’m very happy with him. Not just Pathum, but the entire batting unit has been working hard and giving their best.”

Meanwhile, Tharanga explained the decision to include Lasith Embuldeniya in the squad after a long absence. “Although Embuldeniya wasn’t in recent squads, he has remained part of our system. We’ve looked at how our spinners have performed overseas, and one area of concern is that they’ve struggled to take wickets abroad. Given Embuldeniya’s recent domestic form and his success against South Africa during the historic 2019 series win, we felt it was the right time to bring him back.”

Sanath also responded to a question about his experience as head coach of the national team. “It’s a mix of emotions – stress, happiness, sadness – everything is there. It’s not easy. Sometimes things go our way, sometimes they don’t, so we need to plan accordingly. But I’m enjoying it. My support staff is giving me their full support, which is very important for me to do this job. The players have gone through a difficult period, but now they’ve come out of it. They know how to get themselves up for cricket, and they’re working hard, enjoying the game, and grabbing every opportunity.”

The Test tour to South Africa is part of the World Test Championship cycle for 2023-2025. Both teams will be aiming for a place in the WTC final with a series win.

The team is set to depart on 22 November.

Cricket

New Sri Lanka Cricket Chiefs Promise Sweeping Reforms

Published

2 hours ago

May 23, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim administration has launched a major clean-up operation after uncovering what officials describe as extensive financial mismanagement within the governing body.

Speaking at his first press conference since taking charge last month, interim president Eran Wickramaratne announced that a forensic audit had been ordered to examine the organisation’s accounts in detail.

According to Wickramaratne, the scale of the suspected irregularities exceeded initial expectations, prompting urgent calls for structural reforms and tighter oversight within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The current administration was appointed by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake following the resignation of the previous elected committee in April. The move sparked concerns over possible disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which prohibits political interference in cricket boards.

Sri Lanka Cricket had previously faced a two-month suspension from the ICC in 2023 under similar circumstances.

However, Wickramaratne said discussions with the global governing body had been positive and cooperative.

“Our engagement with the ICC has been constructive from the beginning,” he said. “We have kept the process transparent, and they have encouraged reforms carried out through proper and open procedures.”

The interim administration is now working on introducing a new constitution designed to strengthen governance and prevent individuals or groups from holding influence over the board for extended periods.

The resignation of former SLC president Shammi Silva and his committee cleared the way for the latest restructuring effort, which comes amid wider criticism over the board’s management and the national team’s recent performances.

Sri Lanka’s early exit from this year’s T20 World Cup jointly hosted with India intensified public frustration and added pressure for change within the country’s cricket establishment.

Cricket

Kapila Wijegunawardene Replaces Pramodya as Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Selector

Published

2 hours ago

May 23, 2026

Editor

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kapila Wijegunawardene has been appointed as the new Chief Selector of Sri Lanka Cricket, replacing Pramodya Wickramasinghe at the head of the national selection panel.

The appointment was approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports following a request made by Sri Lanka Cricket on May 20, 2026.

Alongside Wijegunawardene, the newly named selection committee includes Amal Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Varuna Waragoda, and Vanessa de Silva.

The new panel is expected to oversee national team selections and player evaluations across all formats as Sri Lanka prepares for a demanding international schedule in the coming months.

Cricket observers believe the inclusion of several experienced former players could bring renewed direction to the country’s selection process.

Cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down from Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Role

Published

9 hours ago

May 23, 2026

Editor

Former Sri Lankan cricket legend and former head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has officially resigned from his position as Consultant to Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre, with his resignation set to take effect at the end of this month.

In a letter addressed to the recently appointed Cricket Transformation Committee, Jayasuriya stated that he had become aware of concerns raised by several committee members regarding his dual roles within Sri Lankan cricket administration.

The concerns reportedly centered on his appointment to the High Performance Centre while simultaneously serving as President of the Matara District Cricket Association, which some believed could create a potential conflict of interest.

Jayasuriya noted that his decision to step down was made in the best interests of transparency and the future development of Sri Lankan cricket. He emphasized his continued commitment to supporting the sport and nurturing young talent despite leaving the consultancy role.

Widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, Jayasuriya has remained actively involved in cricket administration and player development since retiring from international cricket. His resignation comes at a time when Sri Lanka Cricket is undergoing significant structural reforms aimed at improving governance and performance standards.

Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the resignation.