Connect with us

News

Autokitz CC in a comfortable 100 runs win over Dream 11 CC 

Published

on

M.H.Yakeem 

Autokitz CC in a comfortable 100 runs win over Dream 11 CC 

Autokitz Cricket Club registered a comfortable 100-run win against Dream 11 Cricket Club in a 50 overs league Cricket encounter, played at the Army Artillery ground Panagoda recently. 

Autokitz Cricket Club won the toss and took the opportunity to bat first, openers Ravindu Samarasinghe and Janith Jayasinghe got to a fine start by adding 39 runs and with the dismissal of Ravindu Samarasinghe stroking 

( 22 ) and contributions from Janith Jayasinghe ( 16 ), Isurunath Dissanayake 

( 17 ), Gaveesha Buddhimal ( 20 ), Sineth Withanage ( 14 ) and Pujitha Gunawardena 

( 18 ), Autokitz Cricket Club were 8 wickets down for 148 runs at one stage. Milan Maduwantha with a well compiled 44 runs not out including 4 fours and 2 sixes in 38 balls along with Geesara Dangalla, the pair together was associated in a 55 runs partnership for the 9th wicket. The dismissal of Geesara Dangalla scoring ( 13) at 203 runs on board and the last batter also getting dismissed in the 48th over, Milan Maduwantha playing an anchor role for his club took them to a commanding position. Themiya, Jeyakumar and Nilaxan claiming 3 wickets apart and Sasni claiming a wicket were the pick of the bowlers for Dream 11 CC. 

Dream 11 Cricket Club chasing the total, Autokitz Cricket Club bowlers, Sineth Withanage and Geesara Dangalla claiming 3 and four wickets respectively, the duo bowling a steady line and length got the batters dismissed at regular intervals, Sineth Withanage claiming the wickets of the opening batter, 5th and the last batter, while Geesara Dangalla claiming the wickets of the 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th batters and Omira Vihan, Lakshman Rodrigo and Malka Prabath claiming a wicket apart, 3 extraordinary catches taken by Isurunath Dissanayake, Omira Vihan and Subodha Ranasinghe, Dream 11 Cricket were bundled out for 114 runs in 29. 3 overs. Vinodh Jeyakumar ( 18 ), J.P. Vidurshan ( 17 ), Mohan Raj ( 13 ) and Nilaxan ( 12 ) were the only batters to reach double figures. The match was officiated by L R.D. Nuwan Buddhika and Lakshan Sankalpa, while the scoring was done by B.I.S. Fernando. 

Scores: –

Autokitz Cricket Club  – 214 all out in 48.1 overs 

Ravindu Samarasinghe 22, Janith Jayasinghe 16, Gaveesha Buddhimal 20, Isurunath Dissanayake 17, Sineth Withanage 14, Pujitha Gunawardena 18, Milan Maduwantha 44 not out, Geesara Dangalla 13, Themiya 3/10, Jeyakumar 3/22, Nilaxan 3/32, Sasni 1/35

Dream 11 Cricket Club  –  114 all out in 29.3 overs 

Vinodh Jeyakumar 18, J.P. Vidurshan 17, Mohan Raj 13, Nilaxan 12, Geesara Dangalla 4/5, Sineth Withanage 3/9, Omara Vihan 1/8, Lakshman Rodrigo 1/28, Malka Prabath 1/31 

Football

Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025: Sri Lanka’s Biggest School Football Showdown Gears Up

Published

on

By

Colombo, September 19 – The countdown is on for the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025, the most anticipated school football tournament of the year, set to bring together the best young footballing talent from across Sri Lanka.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV, the championship is expected to raise the standard of school football while creating unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.

Tournament Structure

This year’s edition will feature 16 Division 1 schools, divided into four groups of four teams. Over the course of the first round, a total of 24 matches will be played across Colombo, starting in the first week of October with a grand opening ceremony at 2:00 pm.

  • Opening Match: Hameed Al Hussaini College vs. Al Falah College, Negombo
  • Curtain Raiser: Zahira College, Colombo (defending champions) vs. Darrussaalam College, Colombo

The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, before the Grand Finale in the first week of November. The final venue will be chosen based on the teams that qualify, ensuring equal support and excitement from school fans.

Sponsorship Partnerships

A strong line-up of sponsors is powering Ball Blaster 2025, making it a professionally executed tournament.

  • Title Sponsor – Lifebuoy: Leading the way, Lifebuoy continues to champion youth empowerment through sport, health, and hygiene, reinforcing its mission to build healthier, more active communities.
  • Refreshing Partner – Elephant House Lemonade: A timeless favorite in Sri Lankan households, Lemonade will keep players and fans refreshed as the heat of competition rises.
  • Official Travel Partner – Sky Market Travel: Supporting the smooth logistics of the event, ensuring school teams across regions can fully focus on their football journey.
  • Official Clothing Partner – Aacty Wear: Outfitting players, referees, and officials with professional, stylish gear that elevates the identity of school football and promotes local sportswear excellence.

First-Time Milestones

For the first time in history, the tournament has launched its very own official anthem, adding an extra layer of pride, passion, and identity to Ball Blaster 2025. The anthem’s lyrical video has already captured the excitement of fans, building momentum as kick-off draws near.

Furthermore, in a significant step towards supporting schools, the organizers have taken the initiative to provide all participating teams with playing kits and official kits. This move ensures equal opportunity and professionalism across the competition, uplifting both the players’ experience and the overall image of the championship.

A Celebration of Youth & Football

“The Lifebuoy Ball Blaster is not just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship,” the organizers stated. “With the support of our valued partners Lifebuoy, Elephant House Lemonade, Sky Market Travel, and Aacty Wear, we are committed to elevating school football in Sri Lanka.”

Fans nationwide can look forward to live telecasts, highlights, and digital updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV, ensuring the energy of the matches reaches every corner of the country.

As excitement builds, one thing is clear – Ball Blaster 2025 is set to be more than just a tournament; it’s a stage for the next generation of Sri Lankan football stars to shine.

Continue Reading

Football

AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms

Published

on

By

Indian football is staring at yet another international suspension as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ratify its long-pending constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk a complete ban from world football.

In a strongly-worded two-page letter sent on Tuesday (August 26) to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the failure to finalise and implement a revised constitution, a matter pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.

If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions, while the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic Games bid in Ahmedabad could also be thrown into uncertainty.

FIFA & AFC Ultimatum

The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, set out three urgent requirements for the AIFF:

1. Obtain a definitive Supreme Court order approving the revised constitution.

2. Ensure full compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.

3. Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.

Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger sanctions, including full suspension of AIFF membership.

Previous Suspension in 2022

This is not the first governance crisis to hit Indian football. In August 2022, FIFA suspended the AIFF for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed Committee of Administrators temporarily ran the federation. That ban lasted just two weeks, lifted only after fresh elections were held in which Kalyan Chaubey defeated football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.

Domestic Fallout – ISL in Crisis

The deadlock has already disrupted Indian football at the domestic level. The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional league, has been put “on hold” by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the AIFF’s commercial partner, due to uncertainty over its Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December 2025.

At least three clubs have suspended operations or delayed salaries, while all 11 ISL clubs have warned of an “existential crisis.” Reports from FIFPRO further highlight cases of players’ contracts being terminated, leaving livelihoods at risk.

The Supreme Court of India will hear the matter again on August 28, a session that could determine the immediate future of the ISL and India’s football calendar.

What’s at Stake

If AIFF fails to meet the October deadline, India could lose:

• Participation in FIFA and AFC tournaments.

• Entry rights for national teams and clubs in international competitions.

• Momentum in its 2036 Olympics bid.

• Credibility with players, fans, and commercial partners.

For now, the football fraternity in India waits anxiously for the Supreme Court’s verdict and AIFF’s ability to steer through yet another governance storm

Continue Reading

Football

Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College

Published

on

By

Colombo – Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in the prestigious Heritage Derby Trophy football encounter against Zahira College, Maradana, securing a 3–1 win at the Colombo Racecourse grounds yesterday.

The match kicked off under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, adding special significance to this annual football rivalry.

Hameed Al Husseinie College took control early, leading 2–0 at halftime before sealing the victory with a third goal in the second half. Zahira College managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant performance of the winners.

The trophy presentation was held soon after the final whistle, with the principals of both schools — Rizvi Marikkar of Zahira College and Mrs. Dain of Hameed Al Husseinie College — present to witness the celebrations.

This latest victory adds another chapter to the rich history of the Heritage Derby, further cementing Hameed Al Husseinie College’s reputation in school football.

Continue Reading

Trending