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Chamari named as ICC women’s ODI player of the year

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Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu has named as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 award after an extraordinary 12 months.

Athapaththu showcased exceptional skills and leadership throughout the year, excelling both as a captain and a player in the ODI format.

Athapaththu started the year as skipper with a 1-0 win in a rain-truncated series over Bangladesh. With the first two matches not producing a result due to rain, the final clash turned into a decider.

In a 30-over-a-side game, the skipper stroked a 60-ball 64 laced with six fours and four sixes to propel Sri Lanka to 186. With the ball, Athapaththu got rid of her opposite number and top-scorer Nigar Sultana to put her side in pole position for victory.

Her finest hours as a player and captain came against New Zealand, where Sri Lanka recorded their first-ever bilateral series win (2-1) over the White Ferns.

Athapaththu starred in both victories with a couple of fiery centuries that blew New Zealand away. Her 108* and 140* came in pressure chases and on both occasions, the opener was at the crease to guide her team to victory.

Her significance in the team became even more evident during the series against England, where Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 defeat on foreign soil, largely due to lean returns from the 33-year-old.

Football

SAFF Championship Postponement Exposes Deeper Issues Within FFSL

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The much-anticipated SAFF Championship, originally scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka in July 2025, has now been officially postponed to 2026—a move that has raised serious concerns over the competence and credibility of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

According to the SAFF Executive Committee, the decision to delay the tournament stemmed largely from pressure exerted by its marketing partner, Sportfive, which advocated for a home-and-away format to increase commercial value. Furthermore, it is reported that Sportfive preferred the event be hosted in Bangladesh or India, citing better sponsor access and commercial feasibility in those countries if the tournament were to follow a centralized model.

However, beyond external pressure, this development highlights a troubling reality: the FFSL’s inability to effectively organize and defend Sri Lanka’s hosting rights on the international stage. This isn’t merely a scheduling issue—it reflects a deeper pattern of administrative shortcomings, lack of vision, and prioritization of media narratives over tangible development.

As previously reported by Sri Lankan Sports TV, the FFSL continues to focus more on optics and media stunts rather than on the foundational work required to uplift football in the country. The failure to safeguard Sri Lanka’s opportunity to host a major regional tournament not only affects the sport’s growth domestically but also damages the nation’s reputation within South Asian football.

For a federation that has long promised reform and transparency, this latest setback exposes how little progress has actually been made. When commercial partners have more sway than the national football body itself, it’s a clear indication that local football governance is being undermined by weak leadership and poor planning.

This should be a wake-up call—not just for the FFSL, but for every stakeholder invested in the future of Sri Lankan football. The time for slogans and staged announcements is over. Sri Lanka needs action, accountability, and genuine commitment to building a sustainable footballing culture. Until then, headlines like this will only continue to reflect a sport lost in mismanagement.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka Unveils Balanced Squad for Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, Chamari Athapaththu to Lead the Charge

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Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced a strong and balanced 17-member squad for the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, with star batter Chamari Athapaththu set to lead the team. The series, scheduled for next month, will serve as a key preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

Athapaththu, a globally respected all-rounder known for her fearless batting and bold leadership, remains the cornerstone of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket. As captain, she brings not only experience but also explosive firepower at the top of the order.

The Sri Lanka Women’s ODI squad for the tri-nation series blends youth with experience, showcasing the selectors’ vision of developing depth across all departments. Emerging talent Vishmi Gunaratne retains her spot following a solid domestic season, while consistent performers like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi Silva will provide stability in the middle order.

All-round strength is a key feature of the squad, with the likes of Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani (who will also don the gloves as the primary wicketkeeper) offering both batting and bowling options. Batters Hasini Perera and Piumi Wathsala strengthen the order, while promising youngsters Manudi Nanayakkara and Dewmi Vihanga are expected to gain valuable international exposure.

On the bowling front, spin remains Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon, spearheaded by veteran Inoka Ranaweera, with support from Inoshi Fernando and Sugandika Kumari. Their ability to control the game in the middle overs will be vital on slower pitches.

The pace unit will be led by Achini Kulasuriya and Rashmika Sewwandi, both known for their early breakthroughs and death-over effectiveness. All-rounders Malki Madara and Hansima Karunaratne round out the squad, providing versatility and tactical flexibility.

This ODI series is more than just preparation—it’s a chance for Sri Lanka to test its combinations, refine strategies, and build momentum ahead of a major global tournament. With Chamari Athapaththu at the helm and a team full of potential, fans can expect a spirited and competitive campaign.

Sri Lanka Women’s Squad for Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Piumi Wathsala, Manudi Nanayakkara, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, Inoshi Fernando, Hansima Karunaratne, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya

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Sri Lanka Storm Into Asia Rugby Men’s Championship with Dominant Win Over Malaysia

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Sri Lanka has officially qualified for the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 after a commanding 59-19 victory over Malaysia, marking a major step forward in their journey toward the Rugby World Cup 2027.

The Tuskers came out charging in this crucial qualifying clash, showcasing a blend of power, pace, and precision as they dismantled the Malaysian defense to book their place among Asia’s top rugby nations. With this win, Sri Lanka joins the elite group set to compete for the continent’s sole direct qualification spot for the Rugby World Cup 2027, to be held in Australia.

What’s Next? The Road to Australia 2027

The Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 will be held between June and July 2025, featuring top sides including Hong Kong China, Korea, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. The winner of the tournament will directly qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027, while the runner-up will get a second chance through the Asia/Africa Play-Off.

Sri Lanka will now look to prepare for this pivotal tournament, with the goal of becoming the first-ever Sri Lankan team to qualify for a Rugby World Cup.

Global Qualification Overview:

  • Europe (4 teams): Semi-finalists from Rugby Europe Men’s Championship 2025.
  • Africa (1 team): Winner of Rugby Africa Men’s Cup 2025.
  • South America (1 team): Winner of Sudamérica Rugby Championship 2025.
  • Pacific (3 teams): Top 3 from the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (excluding already-qualified Fiji and Japan).
  • Asia (1 team): Winner of the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 (which now includes Sri Lanka).
  • Final Qualification Tournament (1 team): A round-robin between four remaining contenders from intercontinental play-offs.

As the race to Australia 2027 heats up, Sri Lanka’s emphatic entry into the Asian Championship is a huge statement of intent. The nation’s rugby faithful will be eagerly following the Elephants as they charge toward a historic World Cup debut.

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