News
Cricketers who retired early because of severe injuries
Injuries are considered an inevitable element of any sport but when the game is being played with a 150-gram ball made up of solid cork and leather and being delivered at lightning speed, you should expect numerous broken jaws, fractured ribs, and wounded heads. But the fact of the matter is that more serious injuries have materialized on the field of cricket by not just pace and bounce of the ball but also by the athletic and acrobatic stunts from the cricketers who in pursuit of giving their 100 percent on the field, often end up pulling a hamstring, twisting an ankle or fracturing their knees. There have been numerous instances when these injuries have proven more than ordinary hick-ups and have ended up costing players their careers. There are quite a few players who have been victims of injuries in their careers and let us go through a few of them.
Shane Bond

The speed star from New Zealand was renowned for his lightning pace. He was being viewed upon as one of the greatest after Sir Richard Hadlee. He is the fastest bowler to have emerged from the land of New Zealand. During his peak in 2003, this man was the real attraction in the world cup along with the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee. He has ripped through quite a few batting orders. He represented the black caps for nine years but this doesn’t tell the complete story. During his patchy career, he could manage to play only 18 tests and 82 ODIS thanks to the fragility of his structure.
Time and again he had issues with his back. The most serious of which was in late 2003 when he had surgery and his spine was transfused with titanium wire and was out for cricket for almost two years. Apart from these serious challenges, minute niggles were also frequently occurring which hindered his career. This speed merchant hung his shoes in 2010.
Nathan Bracken

The left-arm seamer from New South Wales was tall and well built with exceptional bowling abilities. He made his debut on the Australian side in the era when they had great Mcgrath, Lee, and Warne. He had the canny ability to move the ball back into the right-handers. He was definitely a guy with a promising future. He was ranked as the number 1 ODI bowler in 2008 and also he was declared Australia’s ODI player of the year in 2009. Like many other fast bowlers, he too had his share of injuries. But it was his knee injury that really curtailed his career and despite fighting all the odds, he decided to leave the game and planned to have his knee operated on.
Muhammad Zahid

Pakistan has a history of producing great fast bowlers. Most of them have unearthed from the province of Punjab. In the ’90s this pace bowling attack reached its crescendo and in those days it was considered almost impossible to penetrate into this attack. But surprisingly this lad from Gaggu Mandi made an impact in his debut test match against New Zealand with his ferocious pace and was and picked up 11 scalps. He was a genuine fast bowler with a great heart and was viewed upon as a great prospect for Pakistan cricket.
He suffered a back injury in the early part of his career and got operated on. This kept him out of the game but when he came back in 1999, he could never make the same impact again. He could manage to play only 5 test matches and 11 one-day internationals. He last represented Pakistan back in January 2003 and unfortunately could not make a comeback after that.
Craig Kieswetter

Born and raised in South Africa, Kieswetter played for Somerset in English county. Like few other players, he preferred England over South Africa for his international career and played 46 ODI and 25 T20 internationals. He was a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman who liked to play his strokes and had opened for England in T20 cricket. The highlight of his career was winning the T20 world cup in 2010 in the Caribbean where he performed brilliantly along with Kevin Pietersen to clinch the 1st ICC title for his country.
In the 2014 season of English county, Craig Kieswetter was playing for Somerset against Northamptonshire where he met a very serious injury that shattered his aspirations of an illustrious career. He received a bouncer who went through his helmet and hit him on the face. He suffered from a broken nose and fractured cheekbone. The injury was quite serious indeed but nobody expected it to be a career-threatening one. But the later proceedings clearly proved the severity of the blow and Kieswetter tried his best to fight the ailment but the things never went his after that blow. He found it impossible to sight the ball and hence had to retire from all forms of the game.
Saqlain Mushtaq

He was a wily character with a wide range of deliveries up his sleeve. Saqlain’s mixed bag contained the off-spin, topspin, arm ball and the most potent of them all was the doosra. He is someone who resurrected the art of off-spin bowling by inventing doosra. He changed the paradigm of off-spin bowling and demonstrated that off-spinners were no more going to be a run containing articles. He was the fastest to 100 and 200 ODI wickets.
He suffered from a knee injury and had surgery in left knee in early 2004. He was out of international cricket for almost half a year before that. But in March 2004, Inzamam ul Haq called Saqlain Mushtaq back into the side to play a test match against India in Multan. Even though Saqlain argued that he was not 100 percent to play the game, but Inzi insisted that he needed him in the team because of the non-availability of a genuine off-spinner. The match however didn’t turn out to be great for Saqlain because he got some serious hammering at the hands of Virender Shewag who scored 309. Saqlain ended up with dismal figures of 1-204. He was immediately dropped from the side and the worst part about that was that his injury exacerbated his right knee also underwent surgery. However, after this surgery, he could never make a comeback into the Pakistan team and that meant the end of his career.
Saba Karim

Saba Karim is one of the lesser-known commodities in international cricket. He played as a wicketkeeper for India but for not a long duration. He could never really find his place in the Indian team even after his debut in 1996. After the failures of the Indian keepers such as Nayan Mongia and Sameer Dighe, Mongia was called into the Indian team in the 2000 series against South Africa. It appeared to all of Indians that this was his chance to solidify his spot in the team but destiny had planned something else. In the 2000 Asia cup at Dhaka Karim was standing behind the stumps when he got hit on the eye on the delivery of Kumble. He underwent surgery but all this could not prevent this injury from finishing his cricket career forever and hence he never played again for India.
Phillip Hughes

This gutsy left-handed batsman from South Australia was an elegant and promising cricketer with an illustrious career ahead of him. He played a couple of seasons for New South Wales before making his international debut. His stroke playing resembled that of great Mathew Hayden and he was as effective as the two legendary openers Langer and Hayden.
His story of injury is very different from the rest of the guys mentioned here because his injury didn’t just cost him his career but his precious life.
In November 2014 at Sydney, while representing South Australia against New South Wales, He received a bouncer from Sean Abbot that hit him just below his left year. Receiving the blow, he immediately fell down and went into the state of a comma. He was immediately hospitalized and the game was abandoned.
He remained in the state of coma for two days during which he underwent surgery as well. But unfortunately, the young lad at the age of 25 was not able to survive this blow and died on 27th November 2014.
The news came out as a shock to the entire cricketing fraternity and later serious concerns were raised on the safety of players and the use of better safety wares for the players. But this incidence clearly proves the point that cricket is by no means an easy game to play especially when you are facing a steaming fast bowler.
Football
Part 2: FIFA Funds Squandered – Inside the Financial Collapse of Sri Lanka Football
In continuation of Sri Lankan Sports TV’s exclusive coverage of the Kusala Sarojini Inquiry Report, this feature focuses on the financial irregularities uncovered within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)—which played a central role in the nation’s football crisis.
The Special Inquiry Committee, chaired by Retired High Court Judge Mrs. Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, exposes how over a decade of misusing FIFA and AFC development funds directly contributed to the collapse of Sri Lankan football.
“It could be observed that financial procedure which follows proper methodology has not been maintained in the Football Federation of Sri Lanka since before 2014.”
— FIFA Sri Lanka Inquiry Report (2023)
Millions in Global Funding – Little to Show on the Pitch
Between 2018 and 2022, the FFSL received consistent international grants, including:
- USD 500,000 annually from FIFA
- USD 500,000 annually from the AFC
- USD 100,000 annually for equipment purchases
- USD 200,000 for air tickets for international competitions
- COVID emergency funding during 2021 and 2022
However, the report confirms that most of these funds were misused or misappropriated, with little to no investment in grassroots development or player welfare.
“Although FFSL had a Chartered Accountant, the financial powers were concentrated among elected officials, and payments were made without transparency, contrary to proper accounting practices.”
— Sri Lanka Inquiry Report, p. 10
Highlights of Financial Mismanagement
Ticket Scandals & Undocumented Spending
- Rs. 16 million was spent on 230 Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 tickets, but:
- No records of buyers
- No receipts
- No profits to FFSL
- Rs. 12 million paid for footballs that were never delivered; transaction done via WhatsApp—no contract or supplier identified
“Not only were proper procurement methods not followed, in many cases there was no documentation at all.”
— Inquiry Committee
Reckless Dollar Transfers Amid National Crisis
- During Sri Lanka’s 2022 dollar shortage, FFSL moved USD 500,000 to a rupee account without Executive Committee approval, causing an estimated loss of Rs. 75 million.
“Transfer of dollars without a justifiable need during a high exchange rate period inflicted a significant financial loss on the Federation.”
— Report Section: Financial Control
Crony Contracts & Fake Tenders
- Catering contracts were awarded to individuals connected to former FFSL executives without calling quotations.
- In most instances, approvals were made based on verbal instructions or internal memos, bypassing required board procedures.
Ghost Coaches, Unused Staff
A coach hired for the U-23 national team was paid Rs. 200,000/month, even though no team was ever formed.
- “Coordination officers” across Sri Lanka were paid monthly with no service rendered.
- PAYE taxes were paid (Rs. 3.3 million) for foreign coaches with no clear deliverables.
“Despite making these payments, youth development remained stagnant and the national teams were not properly formed or trained.”
— Committee Observation
Rs. 100 Million Used as Election Bribe?
- A Rs. 100 million fixed deposit—intended as a financial reserve—was used to send 73 league officials to Malaysia, allegedly in exchange for future votes.
“This action was considered as a bribe given to them with the purpose of getting votes in the future.”
— Page 11, Report
A System Without Checks
The Committee notes that former FFSL President Mr. Jaswar Umaru Lebbe held dual powers as President and Chairman of the Finance Committee, enabling unchecked control over finances.
“This situation was extremely inappropriate and harmful.”
— Inquiry Report, p. 16
Payments were routinely authorized by Mr. Jaswar and a few close allies, without proper board oversight or documentation.
The Fallout – A Sport in Decline
As a result of this mismanagement:
- Sri Lanka’s men’s team plummeted to 207th in FIFA rankings by 2022
- FFSL was suspended by FIFA in January 2023
- National youth programs, women’s football, futsal, and coaching development were completely inactive
A Glimmer of Recovery – Ranking Now 196th
Since early 2023, now, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has climbed to 196th—a 10-place improvement. However, the report warns that structural reform is essential to ensure this progress is not lost.
“Financial control and administration must be independent, transparent, and free from political interference.”
— Official Recommendation by Kusala Sarojini-led Committee
What Must Happen Now?
The committee strongly recommends:
- Forensic audit of FFSL finances since 2012
- Criminal complaints under Sections 386, 389, and 403 of the Penal Code
- Legal reform to prevent future abuse:
- Term limits for officials
- Ban on combining finance and executive powers
- Mandatory procurement audits
- Quarterly public financial disclosures
“A system must be developed to prevent elected officials from having unilateral control over funds.”
— Report, p. 17The Final Word
The Inquiry, led by Justice Kusala Sarojini, leaves no doubt:
Sri Lanka’s football didn’t fail from a lack of funds—it failed because those funds were looted by those entrusted to protect the game.
“If transparency, legal action, and governance reform are not implemented, this country’s football will have no future.”
— Inquiry Report, Final Section
Coming Up in Part 3:
How fake leagues, ghost clubs, and vote-buying tactics poisoned the electoral system of Sri Lankan football.
Football
Kusala Sarojini report exposses Massive Mismanagement Uncovered in Sri Lanka Football Federation
A Special Inquiry Committee appointed by the Ministry of Sports has uncovered widespread financial mismanagement, administrative irregularities, and systemic corruption within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), leading to the country’s lowest-ever FIFA ranking
In response to years of growing concerns over the decline of football in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs appointed a Special Inquiry Committee in February 2023 to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

This move followed Sri Lanka’s suspension by FIFA in January 2023 and decades of complaints from players, clubs, and stakeholders regarding alleged corruption, mismanagement, and irregular financial practices within the FFSL.
Who Conducted the Report?
The five-member Special Inquiry Committee was appointed by the then Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, under powers granted by the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973. The panel was tasked with submitting a report within two months on key areas, including:
- The delay in adopting a new constitution (requested by FIFA and AFC since 2014),
- Misuse of funds and financial malpractice from 2018 onwards,
- The proliferation of fake leagues for vote manipulation,
- Irregularities in staff recruitment, administration, and tournament operations,
- Recommendations for the reform and development of football in Sri Lanka.
Members of the Inquiry Committee:
- Mrs. Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena – Retired High Court Judge (Chairperson)
- Mr. Kingsley Fernando – Former Ministry Secretary
- Mr. Sudath Nagahamulla – Retired DIG of Police
- Mr. Ananda Peiris – Retired Rear Admiral
- Mr. Susil Rohan Ramanayake – Independent member
- Secretary to the Committee: Miss Shalini Roshana Fernando (Attorney-at-Law)
The Committee reviewed financial records, procurement practices, testimonies from over 20 witnesses including former FFSL presidents, accountants, players, and ministry officials, and scrutinized evidence from internal audits and third-party reports.
Ignored Reforms and Illegal Governance
- FIFA and AFC requested constitutional reforms in 2014, but FFSL officials deliberately delayed it for nearly a decade.
- The constitution was only passed on 22 September 2022, by an executive committee whose term had already expired.
- A Special General Meeting was conducted without legal authority, making the constitution null under Sri Lankan law.
- The 2021 FFSL elections were held without proper procedures, violating both local and FIFA rules.
- The Committee noted that officials used COVID-19 as a cover, despite holding Zoom meetings and going on foreign trips.
💸 Financial Misuse on a Shocking Scale
The Committee uncovered extensive financial misconduct by successive FFSL administrations:
📉 International Grants Misused
- FFSL annually received:
- USD 500,000 from FIFA
- USD 500,000 from AFC
- USD 100,000 for equipment
- USD 200,000 for air travel
- Despite these funds, there was no youth football development or improvement in player welfare.
Key Financial Irregularities
- Rs. 3,500 per cake was spent in 2014 during meetings.
- Rs. 100 million paid to LSR Company, linked to a politician, without tender for the 2021 Four Nations Tournament.
- USD 500,000 transferred during Sri Lanka’s dollar crisis in 2022, leading to an estimated Rs. 75 million loss.
- 230 World Cup 2022 tickets bought (Rs. 16 million), but no records on how or to whom they were sold.
- 48 million rupees fraud by a former FFSL officer (2013–2017) is still under-investigated.
- Salaries paid to inactive coaches and ghost staff, including a coach for the under-23 team, which was never formed.
- Payments to family-linked companies, friends, and political allies for catering, security, and equipment—with no procurement process.
Fake Leagues and Electoral Fraud
- FFSL created and sustained “nominal leagues” — inactive football clubs and leagues used only to secure votes during elections.
- Over 80% of registered leagues were inactive, yet received funding and voting rights.
- Fake leagues were used to rig elections in favour of certain office-bearers.
- Active leagues were ignored, with limited support for player development.
National Team and Player Development in Ruins
- Sri Lanka ranks 206th out of 211 globally and last in Asia (45th).
- No structured inter-school tournaments or training systems exist.
- Only two local tournaments were held from 2017 to 2022.
- No youth football activity (U12, U14) was recorded in 2021.
- 10 out of 27 national players have no full-time employment.
- Coaches from abroad were hired without evaluation or contracts, with USD 6,000 monthly salaries.
- The women’s national team ranks 155th out of 156 globally.
Committee Recommendations
The committee, chaired by retired High Court Judge Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena, made urgent recommendations:
Legal & Governance
- Immediate forensic audit of FFSL finances.
- Submit findings to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Fraud Investigation Division.
- Amend the FFSL constitution to:
- Limit office terms to 4 years max
- Ban the President or Secretary from heading the Finance Committee
- Introduce strong anti-fraud measures
Football Development
- Establish youth training centers in all districts.
- Make it mandatory for every league to support women’s football.
- Create performance-based funding for leagues and clubs.
- Collaborate with the Schools Football Association for age-level competitions (U12 to U20).
- Launch at least 4 international tournaments per year for both men’s and women’s teams.
Transparency and Structure
- Require regular audits, quarterly reporting, and transparent procurement processes.
- Publish financial statements to all leagues every 3 months.
- Ban fake leagues; allow only clubs that meet minimum standards to vote or receive funds.
Final Thought
The FIFA Inquiry Report is a damning reflection of how greed, corruption, and negligence ruined Sri Lanka’s football potential. The sport, once considered third most popular in the country, now languishes without direction. The way forward demands courageous reforms, fresh leadership, and strict accountability.
Football
Sri Lanka U20 Women’s Football Hits Rock Bottom at SAFF Championship Amid Continued National-Level Crisis
The Sri Lanka U20 Women’s Team endured a disappointing campaign at the SAFF U20 Women’s Championship 2025, suffering two heavy defeats with one group match left to play. In their opening encounter, Sri Lanka was thrashed 9 -1 by Bangladesh, followed by a 5-0 loss against Bhutan, indicating a deeper crisis in the country’s women’s football structure.


These back-to-back losses highlight the grim state of the women’s football program, especially when placed alongside the senior team’s exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers earlier this year without a single win. This trend reflects not just a lack of preparation, but an institutional failure to establish a developmental pipeline or strategic plan.

What’s even more concerning is the absence of visible recovery mechanisms from the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). Instead of addressing systemic issues—such as lack of coaching standards, insufficient grassroots investment, and poor player welfare—key decision-makers appear more focused on the upcoming FFSL elections. Behind-the-scenes politics continue to stall any meaningful progress in women’s football development.

Despite the promising young talent in Sri Lanka, the gap in fitness, tactical training, and match readiness compared to regional rivals is growing wider. Without immediate technical reforms and leadership that prioritizes performance over politics, the future of women’s football in the country remains uncertain.
With one more match against a strong Nepal side, the prospects of a comeback look bleak, unless there is a radical shift in how the game is managed from the ground up.
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