News

Cricketers who retired early because of severe injuries

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2021

Editor

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-kt-ryfIyU

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIPQdTTtys

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

AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Sri Lanka Still in the Race: All Possible Qualification Scenarios Explained

Published

3 days ago

November 17, 2025

Editor

With four matchdays completed in the AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – 3rd Round, Sri Lanka remain firmly in contention for a historic qualification from Group D, where Turkmenistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Chinese Taipei are battling for two places.

After Tuesday’s fixtures, the Group D table stands as follows:

Turkmenistan – 9 pts (GD +3)
Thailand – 9 pts (GD +6)
Sri Lanka – 6 pts (GD +1)
Chinese Taipei – 0 pts (GD –10)

Sri Lanka’s performances so far – including the landmark 1–0 victory over Turkmenistan in Colombo and a strong 3–1 win against Chinese Taipei at home – have kept the Lions within striking distance of the top two.

With two matches remaining, Sri Lanka’s qualification pathway is mathematically alive. Here is the full breakdown of how the team can still qualify, based on a complete analysis of all possible outcomes.

Remaining Fixtures – Group D

18 November 2025

Sri Lanka vs Thailand – Colombo
Turkmenistan vs Chinese Taipei – Arkadag

31 March 2026

Chinese Taipei vs Sri Lanka – Taipei
Thailand vs Turkmenistan – Bangkok

Each match is crucial, and the standings could shift dramatically depending on these four results.

Mathematical Analysis: How Sri Lanka Can Qualify

Our complete outcome analysis (covering all 81 possible result combinations from the four remaining matches) shows:

Sri Lanka finish in the top two in 28 out of 81 scenarios

– This means there is still a realistic pathway to qualification.

In 10 of the 28 scenarios, Sri Lanka qualify directly on points

– No tie-breakers needed.
– These are the strongest and most secure qualification routes.

In 18 scenarios, Sri Lanka finish tied on points for 1st/2nd

– In these cases, qualification will depend on AFC’s tie-breakers:

Head-to-head points
Head-to-head goal difference
Head-to-head goals scored
Overall goal difference
Goals scored

Because Sri Lanka’s current goal difference is lower than both Turkmenistan and Thailand, big winning margins in the remaining matches may be crucial.

Key Pathways for Sri Lanka to Reach the AFC Asian Cup

1. Win Against Thailand in Colombo – The Game-Changer

This is the single most important fixture.
Most qualification scenarios begin with:

Sri Lanka defeat Thailand on 18 November

A win at home puts Sri Lanka level on 9 points and pulls Thailand back into the contest. This result alone dramatically increases the qualification probability.

2. Beat Chinese Taipei Away on 31 March

Chinese Taipei have lost all matches so far with a goal difference of –10.
A win here is essential, and:

A high-margin victory improves Sri Lanka’s tie-break position

If qualification comes down to goal difference or goals scored, the result in Taipei could be decisive.

3. The Best-Case, Most Realistic Route

The following sequence delivers the strongest qualification guarantee:

Sri Lanka beat Thailand (Colombo)

Sri Lanka beat Chinese Taipei (Taipei)

This takes Sri Lanka to 12 points, and in most scenarios, that total is enough for a top-two finish.

However, in some combinations where Turkmenistan and Thailand also reach 12, the group ends in a three-way tie, and tie-breakers become critical. In such cases, Sri Lanka must have:

A strong winning margin over Chinese Taipei
A multi-goal win over Thailand (improves head-to-head and GD)

4. If Sri Lanka Draw Against Thailand

Qualification is still possible, but only if:

Turkmenistan drop points against Chinese Taipei on 18 November

This is unlikely on paper but remains mathematically possible.
In this scenario, Sri Lanka must also beat Chinese Taipei away.

5. If Sri Lanka Lose to Thailand

The road becomes extremely difficult.

Sri Lanka would need:

Chinese Taipei to upset Turkmenistan, and
Thailand to beat Turkmenistan in the final match,
Plus Sri Lanka winning away in Taipei.

This combination is possible but highly improbable.

What Sri Lanka Must Do: A Simple Roadma

1. Win against Thailand in Colombo – absolutely vital

The qualification race effectively hinges on this match.

2. Win big against Chinese Taipei

Every goal matters. A +3/+4 margin can change the tie-breaker battle entirely.

3. Hope for Turkmenistan to drop points

Even a draw against Chinese Taipei would be hugely beneficial for Sri Lanka.

4. Improve goal difference

Essential if the group ends in a points tie.

Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Dream Still Alive

Sri Lanka stand at a crucial yet promising point in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 qualifying journey.
With two matches left and a direct showdown against Thailand at home, the Lions have a real opportunity to push for a historic qualification.

Victory in Colombo on November 18 could ignite the nation’s hopes and set up a thrilling final matchday in March 2026.

Sri Lanka remain in the fight — and the path to the AFC Asian Cup is still wide open.

Football

Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

After weeks of intense group-stage action across the island, the Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – 1st XI School Football Challenge Trophy now heads into its Quarter Final stage with eight of the country’s top school football teams set to battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The group phase produced thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and moments of pure school football passion, and now the competition reaches its knockout phase where every goal — and every mistake — will count.

🏆 Quarter Final Line-Up

Quarter Final 1
Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakkachchi Central College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 8.30 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Zahira College, one of the tournament favorites, will look to continue their dominant form against the spirited Vaddakkachchi Central College, who impressed in their provincial campaign to earn a historic spot in the final eight.

Quarter Final 2
Kalutara Muslim Central College 🆚 Gateway College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 11.00 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Unbeaten so far, Kalutara Muslim Central College will face the technically disciplined Gateway College in a tactical showdown that promises end-to-end action.

Quarter Final 3
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 🆚 Royal College, Colombo
📅 5th November | ⏰ 1.30 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
A Colombo classic awaits as Royal College step into the quarter finals following a protest decision that eliminated Aligar Central College. St. Joseph’s, Group C leaders, will aim to maintain their strong run in what is expected to be a fierce and emotional derby encounter.

Quarter Final 4
Hameed Al Husseini College 🆚 Darussalaam College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 4.00 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
Two of the most passionate teams in the competition collide in the day’s final fixture. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides chase their dream of a semi-final berth.

🎥 LIVE COVERAGE

All four matches will be broadcast live on Sri Lankan Sports TV, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to witness the best of Sri Lankan school football.

The Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of promoting youth football, sportsmanship, and school pride, powered by Lifebuoy Bodywash — encouraging young athletes to play clean, play strong, and play fair.

Football

Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 30, 2025

Editor

The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.

In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.

Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.

The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:

Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM

Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.