News
ICC Announced Men’s and Women’s player of the month awards
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the latest crop of international stars shortlisted for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards following an action-packed month of cricket in September.
The three-person ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist features one of England’s prolific short-format batters and an Indian duo that was instrumental in their trophy-winning Asia Cup campaign last month.
Mohammed Siraj enjoyed a return to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI rankings for bowlers in late September, and was the chief architect of India’s success in the final with a remarkable bowling display. Joining him on the shortlist is Shubman Gill, hoping to win his second Player of the Month prize after his run-scoring heroics in the Asia Cup continued into the subsequent ODI series against Australia.
England’s Dawid Malan completes the lineup, nominated for the first time after a superb showing in the series against New Zealand.
The shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award features a young South African duo that recorded an impressive T20I win in Pakistan, and Sri Lanka’s influential skipper, who led them to a historic T20I series victory in England.
Chamari Athapaththu gains her second Player of the Month nomination after her batting and bowling contributions inspired Sri Lanka’s first-ever series win on English soil. Joining her among the contenders for September’s crown is fellow all-rounder, Nadine de Klerk, whose wickets and runs proved vital to South Africa’s ODI successes against Pakistan and New Zealand, and her compatriot Laura Wolvaardt, who again showed glimpses of her batting brilliance with runs in both T20I and ODI formats against the same opposition.
An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world will now be invited to cast their votes to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered at icc-cricket.com/awards will be able to vote for their favorite performers until Thursday.
ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:
Shubman Gill (IND)
The Indian batter has enjoyed a hugely successful 2023 so far, and could potentially be in line to win his second Player of the Month accolade after runs again came flooding in during September. The 24-year-old registered 480 runs at an average of 80 in his eight ODIs during the month, with notable highlights including a stylish century against Bangladesh in Colombo, and 74 and 104 in back-to-back games against Australia.
Dawid Malan (ENG)
The England batter arrived into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in sublime form in ODI cricket, scooping the Player of the Series award in the recent victory over New Zealand at home. His scores during the series progressed with each match. After a half-century in the second fixture, he came within a whisker of three figures with 96 at the Oval, before he passed the landmark in the final outing across London at Lord’s. His 277 ODI runs in September came at an average of 92.33.
Mohammed Siraj (IND)
The pacer returned to the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI bowler rankings in September thanks to a glittering performance to dismantle Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Colombo. Siraj took 11 wickets in total across six ODIs, but his month will be remembered for the memorable way in which he tore into the defending champions, bowling them out for 50 runs, taking six wickets for 21 which included a four-wicket over.
ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:
Chamari Athapaththu (SL)
Sri Lanka’s iconic skipper was at the peak of her powers in the T20I series against England in September. After narrowly losing the rain-effected first contest, Athapaththu registered back-to-back Player of the Match performances to clinch their maiden victory over the home side in any format. Her trademark explosive batting and economical bowling helped restrict England to low totals in the second and third matches. A terrific 55 runs in 31 balls in the second match was followed by a match-winning 44 in 28 balls in the decisive encounter, along with three priceless England wickets.
Nadine de Klerk (SA)
The South African all-rounder celebrates her first nomination in the Player of the Month awards after valuable runs and wickets helped claim ODI victories over Pakistan and New Zealand last month. De Klerk chipped in with scores throughout September, only being dismissed once, and scoring 171 runs including successive half-centuries. The Player of the Series against Pakistan also impressed with the ball, recording 13 wickets in her five ODI outings at a superb average of 12.76.
Laura Wolvaardt (SA)
Despite losing the T20I series 3-0 against Pakistan, Wolvaardt was named Player of the Series after amassing 157 runs in her three matches. A quiet ODI series against Pakistan followed before the South African once again rediscovered her form, this time against New Zealand, striking a classy half-century before an unbeaten 124 saw her side confirm the series win and Wolvaardt claim another Player of the Series prize.
Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles
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.
Football
Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.
Current Standings:
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 |
| St. Benedict’s College | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| St. Patrick’s College | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| St. Joseph’s College | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢
Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.
St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪
With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.
St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡
With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.
St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵
After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.
Qualification Scenarios:
- 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
- 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
- ❌ If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.
The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.
Football
CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year
In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.
Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.
CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:
“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”
SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:
“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”
Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.
As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.
🏆 About the Championship
- Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
- Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
- Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
- Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
- Finals Date: December 13, 2025
-
Football9 months agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
Live4 years agoLive Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
News9 months ago2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
Cricket5 months agoNuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
Football10 months agoFFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
News5 months agoMajor Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka
-
Football6 months agoSri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025
-
Cricket9 months agoSri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time

