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Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Sri Lanka in International Masters League (IML) 2025

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Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

  • Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
  • India – Sachin Tendulkar
  • Australia – Shane Watson
  • England – Eoin Morgan
  • West Indies – Brian Lara
  • South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.

Cricket

AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s

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June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final

The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.

After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.

Australia Struggle Under Pressure

Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.

Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 67/4

Session: Day 1 – Lunch

World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)

PosTeamPldPtsPCT (%)
1South Africa1210069.44
2Australia1915467.54
3India1911450.00
4New Zealand148148.21
5England2211443.18
6Sri Lanka136038.46
7Bangladesh124531.25
8West Indies134428.21
9Pakistan144727.98

Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.

Top Performers This Cycle

Batting Leaders:

  • Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
  • Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]

Bowling Leaders:

  • Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
  • Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
  • Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)

Sri Lanka’s Position

Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.

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KSCA Officials Resign Over Chinnaswamy Stampede; RCB Faces FIR in Tragic Victory Celebration Fallout

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In a tragic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, a deadly stampede at the celebratory event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured several others. The aftermath has sparked controversy and accountability issues, leading to major resignations and legal action.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned on Friday, citing “moral responsibility” for the incident. Their resignations were submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, as questions mount over mismanagement and negligence at the overcrowded venue.

The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR listing RCB, DNA Entertainment (event partner), and KSCA as accused parties. Police confirmed that the event had not been granted official permission. In a swift move, Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested—raising further scrutiny over organizational lapses.

KSCA has filed a writ petition calling the FIR a “knee-jerk” reaction under political pressure. They argued that crowd control and gate management were the responsibilities of RCB and the event organizers, not KSCA.

RCB has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim and committed to covering all medical expenses of the injured. However, the franchise has yet to make a comprehensive public statement.

This incident raises serious concerns about sports event management and safety standards, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of celebration in Indian cricket

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Sachithra Senanayake Indicted in Landmark Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Law

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Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been formally indicted before the Hambantota High Court, marking a historic first in Sri Lanka’s efforts to criminalize corruption in sports. The charges stem from an alleged match-fixing attempt during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL), making Senanayake the first player to face prosecution under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.

Senanayake, currently out on bail, is accused of attempting to influence Colombo Kings player Tharindu Ratnayake to underperform during the tournament. The incident reportedly occurred via a WhatsApp message, which was later flagged by a local anti-corruption officer, prompting an official investigation in 2020.

The case falls under the landmark legislation introduced in 2019 by then Sports Minister Harin Fernando, which criminalizes match-fixing and related offenses in the country. If convicted, Senanayake could face a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine reaching Rs. 100 million, or both.

The indictment signals a serious shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to tackling corruption in sports. Authorities hope this high-profile case will serve as a strong deterrent against similar offenses in the future.

Senanayake, once a celebrated off-spinner and a member of Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 ICC T20 World Cup squad, now faces the grim prospect of being remembered not for his achievements on the field, but for his role in one of Sri Lanka’s most significant match-fixing scandals.

As the case unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the broader issue of corruption in sports and reinforces the urgent need for integrity, vigilance, and transparent governance across all levels of competition in Sri Lanka

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