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Autokitz Cricket Club in a thrilling 15-run win against Royal Masters.

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The newly formed Autokitz Cricket Club registered a thrilling 15-run win over Royal Masters in a 25 overs Cricket encounter, played at the Royal College turf Cricket ground, Colombo- 07 recently.

Autokitz Cricket Club batting first, lost their opening batter with the score at zero on board and wickets falling at regular intervals, they were 7 wickets down for 74 runs at one stage with Janith Jayasinghe, Ishan Perera and Isurunath Dissanayake contributing with double figures. Danushka Gajanayake scored 16 runs including 2 fours and a six and Geeshan Ayeshana scoring 24 runs including 3 fours and a six got the board ticking with useful knocks. Milan Maduwantha played a solid innings stroking 34 runs not out in 28 balls including 3 sixes and a four and well supported by Shahen Rodrigo took them to a challenging total. Rasika Peiris and Senaka Senarathne claiming 3 wickets each and Sisila Indraratne, Nuwan Perera and Lasantha Perera claiming 1 wicket each were the pick of the bowlers.

Royal Masters in reply, lost their first wicket at 10 runs on board, Shezard Nizar stroking a gallant 42 runs in 47 balls including 5 fours together with Faizal Yousuf also playing a magnificent inning scoring 42 runs 47 balls including 2 fours and 2 sixes, the pair together added 92 runs for 2nd wicket and a useful knock of 21 runs in 22 balls including 3 fours by Lasantha Perera put them to a commanding position. With the dismissal of these 3 batters, Autokitz Cricket Club bowlers, Lakshman Rodrigo, Hasika Chameera, Ishan Perera and Geeshan Ayeshana bowling with a tidy line and length, captured 4 more vital wickets, Isurunath Dissanayake taking a well-judged catch, Dhanushka Gajanayake taking 2 extra ordinary catches and wicket keeper, Dhanushka Hannadige dismissing a Royal Masters batter with a fine run out, slowed the run rate and turned the match in favour of Autokitz Cricket Club to win by 15 runs. Geeshan Ayeshana with an excellent all-round performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

Scores

Autokitz Cricket Club 166/9 in 25 overs

Janith Jayasinghe 12, Ishan Perera 33, Isurunath Dissanayake 10, Geeshsn Ayeshana 24, Dhanushka Gajanayake 16, Milan Maduwantha 34 not out, Rasika Peiris 3/12, Senaka Senarathne 3/34

Royal Masters – 151/7 in 25 overs

Shezard Nizar 42, Faizal Yousuf 42, Lasantha Perera 21, Hasika Chameera 2/17, Geeshan Ayeshana 2/29

Caption

The winning Autokitz Cricket Club team

Football

I League 2025 Controversy: Player Transfer Dispute Raises Serious Questions

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New Star SC under scrutiny over fielding an ineligible player, Mohamed Sahi, without Crystal Palace FC Gampola’s release

A player registration controversy has emerged during the I League 2025 involving New Star Sports Club and Crystal Palace FC Gampola, potentially violating multiple tournament regulations.

According to reliable reports, Mohamed Sahi, who was formerly registered with Eravur YSS, joined Crystal Palace FC Gampola in February 2025 — a move publicly announced on the club’s official Facebook page.

However, during the ongoing I League tournament, the same player was found listed in the New Star SC squad, raising alarm over a potential unauthorised transfer.

Officials from Crystal Palace FC have confirmed that the club did not release Sahi for any transfer, nor were they informed about his participation with New Star SC in the I League 2025. This suggests a clear breach of both the club-player agreement and the player registration regulations outlined by the I League organizers.

The I League 2025 regulations — particularly under Section 15: Eligibility of Players and Section 16: Registration — strictly prohibit participation without proper registration and release. Clubs are required to register players within the designated transfer window and ensure full compliance with contracts and club agreements. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to sanctions, including disqualification and suspensions, as stipulated in the Disciplinary and Ethics Code

This is not the first time New Star SC has faced disciplinary action. In 2020, the club was suspended from the FFSL President’s Cup semi-final after a protest by Blue Eagles SC over fielding an overage U19 marquee player under alleged forged documents — a scandal that led to the resignation of a New Star official who also served on the FFSL Competition Committee.

Growing Concerns Amid Reforms

As Sri Lanka Football Federation (FFSL) and national team authorities work to rebuild the sport’s integrity and international standing, such cases of administrative malpractice threaten to undo recent progress. With the national team performing admirably and the FFSL pushing for reforms, these incidents are a stain on the domestic football system.

This incident serves as a critical reminder that transparent and ethical conduct is non-negotiable if Sri Lankan football is to move forward. The I League Disciplinary Committee is expected to take swift action to investigate and enforce appropriate sanctions if rules have been breached.

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South Korea Edge Sri Lanka in Thrilling Opener of Asian Rugby World Cup Qualifier

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In a closely contested opener of the Asian Rugby Championship – Emirates Edition, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, South Korea narrowly defeated Sri Lanka with a final score of 38-34 at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo yesterday (June 13).

This tournament is crucial in determining Asia’s second qualifier for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Japan having already secured their place through the world rankings. The event features four top-tier Asian rugby nations: Sri Lanka, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the loss, Sri Lanka delivered an impressive performance, going head-to-head with a strong South Korean side. Lasindu Karunaratne of Sri Lanka was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution on the field.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to face United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong in the remaining two matches of the series. The tournament, organized by Asia Rugby, features the continent’s top four teams selected based on performance and aims to determine the final Asian representative for the global stage.

The opening match drew notable attendance, including Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, who witnessed the action live.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for full coverage of the qualifiers and exclusive content from the ground.

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Football

Sri Lanka Footballer Faces Disciplinary Action Over Palestine Support Message

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Colombo, June 11 – The Sri Lanka Football Federation (FFSL) is set to take disciplinary action against a national team squad member following a controversial post-match incident during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei.

After Sri Lanka’s 3-1 historic win against 166th-ranked Chinese Taipei on June 10, an unused substitute player, Mohamed Thilham, was seen displaying a shirt bearing the message “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE”. The incident occurred during the post-match celebrations at the Colombo Race Course Stadium.

FFSL President Jaswar Umar, responding to media queries, stated that the act was not sanctioned by the federation, calling it “an unnecessary action that violates international football disciplinary norms.”

“This was not something done with the knowledge or approval of the FFSL. Even though it happened after the match, it is still an act that goes against the FIFA Code of Conduct. It was a politically sensitive message displayed on an international platform, which we cannot condone,” said Jaswar.

While many in the public and online community have expressed solidarity with the player’s message, the FFSL is viewing the matter strictly from a governance standpoint.

Thilham, a talented youngster from a remote region and relatively new to the national setup, has shown great promise. However, the FFSL President stressed that

“no personal motivations or emotions can justify violations of international sports protocols.”

Editorial Note:

While some fans hailed Tilham’s act as courageous and principled, others criticized the Sri Lankan Sports TV. Our own Sri Lankan Sports TV team had previously hidden the slogan in our match coverage out of respect for international sporting protocols and to safeguard the player’s future. However, it appears that a section of social media users intentionally spotlighted the statement, which may have contributed to the federation’s decision.

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