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Chamika to replace Dasun in Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad

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Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024

All rolunder Chamika Karunaratne is set to replace former skipper Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lanka ODI squad that will face Afghanistan starting on Friday at Kandy.

Notably former skipper Dasun Shanaka who is running through a bad pitch hasn’t fared well in the recent tournaments where he had just scored 250 odd runs in his last 21 ODI innings.

Shanaka’s recent contributions with the bat in white ball cricket, irrespective of the number of balls or situations faced make interesting reading. Beginning June 2023 he made scores of 17, 23, 1, 5, 0, 5, 1, 14 not out, 5, 24, 9, 2, 0, 68 and 12 that culminated with scores of 26 not out, 9, 7 and 8 at this month’s series against Zimbabwe.

Dasun has been under the scanner for his recent form which also resulted in him to lose his white ball captaincy in Midway of the World Cup in 2023.

It is learnt, though the all rounder was given a chance in Zimbabwe series he once again failed to impress the new selection committee which resulted in him to lose his spot in the white ball squad as well.

However Dasun has been among the runs in the domestic Arena but has contiusly failed to deliver in the international stage which has forced selectors to rethink bringing the 33 year old back to the squad.

Meanwhile, Chmaika Karunaratne, another all rounder who last played an ODI game back in November 2023 is likely to replace Dasun Shanaka in the squad.

Chamika has been in and out of the squad and his stats in the white ball is not that much impressive but the 27 year old no doubt has potential to change a game on his head at any time.

Other notable miss out from the squad that faced Zimbabwe a month ago are Jeffrey Vandersay who is said to be injured and Nuwanindu Fernando.

Sri Lanka however will be boost with the return of Pathum Nissanka for the ODI’s after he missed out the entire ODI series against Zimbabwe after being infected by Dengue.

The Selectos has given another chance for the opening bateer Avishka Fernando who had a miserable series against Zimbabwe with scores of 0,4,0.

However the squad boasts a strong batting line up with the likes of skipper Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage to name a few.

Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the spin department alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Akil Dhanajaya while young pacer Dilshan Madushnka will be tasked with new ball with Dushamntha Chameera and Pramod Madushna being the other fast bolwers in the squad.

Sri Lanka Probable squad (Subject to ministry approval): Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan

Cricket

Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry

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Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.

This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.

The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

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Football

Sri Lankan Football in Crisis: Corruption, Mismanagement, and a Forgotten Future

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Sri Lankan football is facing an unprecedented crisis, with corruption, financial mismanagement, and neglect threatening to erase any hope for the sport’s future. Despite repeated warnings, investigations, and calls for reform, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) under its current leadership has continued to operate with impunity, ignoring the development of local players while prioritizing foreign-born recruits.

Audit Findings Ignored – Where is the Accountability?

The Ministry of Sports’ audit report uncovered multiple financial discrepancies within FFSL, yet no action has been taken to rectify them. The Finance Committee raised critical concerns, including:

  1. Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
    • A missing payment for SAFF Sri Lanka match media rights, with public service media confirming they never received the funds.
    • The Finance Committee instructed immediate resolution, yet no updates have been provided.
  2. Unresolved Zolo Football Purchase
    • FFSL paid LKR 12,775,000 for Zolo footballs from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) without a financial guarantee, violating tender procedures.
    • The Finance Committee recommended either securing the footballs or recovering the funds, with escalation to the CID if unresolved. No progress has been reported.
  3. Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
    • Sponsorship funds from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy remain unaccounted for.
    • Despite instructions to resolve the matter, FFSL has failed to provide any updates.

FFSL’s Downward Spiral – A Lost Generation of Footballers

While Sri Lanka’s football governance remains plagued by corruption, the country’s domestic football structure has completely collapsed. There have been no domestic tournaments since 2022, depriving young players of a pathway to professional football. Despite over 42,000 active school-level players across 600 schools, FFSL has failed to support grassroots development, instead using school tournaments for branding while parents bear the costs.

Rather than investing in homegrown talent, the FFSL has prioritized recruiting foreign-based players to represent Sri Lanka’s national team. The current squad is unrecognizable, with only captain Sujan Perera representing local talent. Critics argue that these foreign recruits, most of whom play in third or fourth-tier leagues abroad, are using Sri Lankan representation to boost their own careers while the nation’s domestic football stagnates.

Sri Lanka’s Footballing Reputation in Tatters

The state of Sri Lankan football reached an embarrassing low during the AFC Cup qualifiers when head coach Abdullah Almutairi received a red card—a rare and humiliating moment in international football. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has plummeted from 124th to 200th out of 207, driven by alleged embezzlement of FIFA and AFC funds under successive FFSL presidents.

Unlike successful footballing nations, which integrate foreign-origin players into domestic leagues before calling them up to the national team, Sri Lanka’s approach has been reckless and damaging. The lack of Pro License coaches for the past 30 years has further exacerbated the decline, leaving Sri Lanka lagging behind regional peers like India and the Maldives.

FFSL’s Financial Mismanagement & Political Interference

  • FFSL has failed to present audited accounts since 2022, with officials suppressing the ministry’s audit report to avoid scrutiny.
  • Stolen equipment, including Adidas footballs, bags, and boots, has been traced to top FFSL officials, including former national captains and the finance manager. CCTV footage reportedly supports these claims.
  • Despite widespread allegations, successive sports ministers have turned a blind eye, allowing FFSL officials to manipulate narratives and maintain their grip on power.
  • The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023-2024 has been postponed until March 2025—deliberately delaying accountability measures.

Will the Government Finally Take Action?

The newly elected government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Yet, despite the Ministry of Sports uncovering serious financial mismanagement, no action has been taken to hold FFSL accountable.

The time for promises has long passed. If Sri Lanka is to salvage its footballing future, immediate intervention is needed from the government, FIFA, and relevant stakeholders. Failure to act now will not only doom the sport but also betray the thousands of young Sri Lankan footballers who still dream of wearing the national jersey.

The question remains: Will the government finally clean up the mess in Sri Lankan football, or will corruption continue to suffocate the game?

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Football

Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live

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Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.

Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.

Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.

Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.

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