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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

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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