Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced two key appointments to its National High Performance Centre as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s coaching structure across all formats and levels.

Former Netherlands coach Ryan van Niekerk has been named the National Bowling Coach, while Jordan Gregory will take on the role of National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Both appointments will come into effect from April 15, 2026, with each coach set to serve a two-year tenure.

In his new role, van Niekerk will oversee fast bowling development across all national teams, including the senior men’s side. He brings valuable international experience, having served as the bowling coach and interim head coach of the Netherlands national team from 2023 to 2026. Prior to that, he worked as the assistant coach and bowling coach of the Netherlands men’s team.

During his time with the Dutch side, van Niekerk played a role in their participation in major global tournaments, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026.

Meanwhile, Gregory will be responsible for managing fielding standards and spin bowling development across all national squads. He previously worked as a fielding consultant with Netherlands Cricket and contributed to several international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023.

Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has initiated legal action against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), seeking court intervention to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that would allow him to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The matter was taken up before the Colombo District Court, which has scheduled the next hearing for April 9. Thushara has named several top SLC officials as defendants, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva.

According to court filings, Thushara was picked by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL season, having previously featured in the tournament in both 2024 and 2025 after receiving the necessary clearance from SLC. However, the board has declined to issue the NOC this year, citing his failure to meet required fitness standards.

Thushara, in his petition, has challenged this decision, stating that his contract with SLC expired on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his intention not to renew it. He further claims he had been made aware that he was not in contention for national selection, making the fitness-based refusal unreasonable.

The pacer has also argued that his current fitness levels are consistent with those maintained during previous seasons when he was granted NOCs. He warns that the denial could cost him his IPL contract, resulting in significant financial loss and missed career opportunities.
Through the case, Thushara is seeking legal recognition of his right to obtain the NOC, along with court orders compelling SLC to grant him clearance to play in the IPL and other overseas leagues.

The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.

The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.

Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.

All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.

With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.