Cricket
India Storms into ICC Champions Trophy Final, Await Awaiting Opponent
Dubai: India continued its dominant run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a spot in the final with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. With this win, the Men in Blue have set their sights on the ultimate prize as they await the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa.
India Overcomes Australian Challenge
Chasing a target of 265, India displayed resilience, with key contributions from the middle order guiding them to victory in 48.1 overs. Despite early setbacks, a composed knock from captain Rohit Sharma (68) and a crucial 74-run partnership between Virat Kohli (54) and KL Rahul (45) steadied the chase. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (38*) ensured India crossed the finish line with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier, Australia posted a competitive 264, thanks to a well-crafted 89 from Travis Head and contributions from Steve Smith (47) and Marcus Stoinis (35). India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/48), kept the Aussies in check, preventing a late flourish.
New Zealand vs. South Africa: Second Semi-Final Showdown
The second semi-final will see an exciting battle between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday. Both teams have shown exceptional form in the tournament, with New Zealand remaining unbeaten in the group stage and South Africa dominating their encounters.
The Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson, will look to rely on their strong batting lineup featuring Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, while their pace attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult, will aim to restrict the Proteas. On the other hand, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada will be crucial in their bid to reach the final.
Final Showdown on March 9
The grand finale is set for March 9 in Dubai, where India will face the winner of the second semi-final. Having won all their matches in the tournament so far, India will enter the final with high confidence, aiming to reclaim the prestigious trophy.
Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the stage set for an electrifying finish to one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket.
Cricket
Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the grand finale of IPL 2025 with an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2, chasing down 102 runs in just 10 overs. The match, held in Ahmedabad, saw RCB continue their dominant form in the playoffs, with Sri Lanka’s very own Nuwan Thushara making his presence felt on the biggest T20 franchise stage.
Thushara, who has been a consistent figure in RCB’s bowling attack, picked up a crucial wicket in the Qualifier 1 against Lucknow Super Giants and has steadily built a reputation as a reliable powerplay bowler. His unique slingy action and accuracy have made him a fan favourite in Bengaluru and among Sri Lankan cricket fans. Although he took just 1 wicket in the latest game, his economical spells have contributed significantly to RCB’s campaign.
RCB’s victory against PBKS came on the back of a brilliant bowling effort, bundling Punjab out for a mere 101. RCB’s top order made light work of the target, finishing the chase with 60 balls to spare – the most dominant playoff win in IPL history in terms of balls remaining.
Sri Lanka’s IPL participation this year has been headlined by Nuwan Thushara, whose breakthrough season is setting the tone for more Lankan stars to shine in the league. His performance is also a testament to the growing impact of Sri Lankan pace bowlers in franchise cricket worldwide.
RCB will now face either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3rd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Thushara is expected to play a key role as RCB aims to secure their maiden IPL title.
As the cricketing world gears up for a blockbuster final, Sri Lankan fans will be cheering on Thushara, hoping he brings IPL glory back to Bengaluru – and pride to Sri Lanka.
Cricket
Galle Marvels Owner Sentenced in Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Sports Offences Law
In a landmark ruling under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, Indian businessman Prem Thakkar, the franchise owner of Lanka T10 League side Galle Marvels, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to fix a match during the 2024 tournament.

Thakkar pleaded guilty to a match-fixing charge and was sentenced by the Kandy High Court to two years of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay a Rs. 6 million fine and Rs. 1 million in compensation.
The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, when Thakkar allegedly approached West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher with an offer to influence the outcome of a Lanka T10 League match involving the Galle Marvels. The case was investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for Sports-Related Offences.
The court further permitted the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakkar’s mobile device to support ongoing investigations into wider corruption networks.
This conviction marks one of the first high-profile applications of Sri Lanka’s sports-related anti-corruption laws and sends a strong signal about the country’s commitment to upholding integrity in sports. The Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes corruption in sport and provides legal mechanisms to penalize offenders—including jail time and financial penalties.
From a sports governance standpoint, this case underscores the growing necessity for franchise owners and stakeholders to be held accountable under national laws, especially as the popularity of short-format leagues like the Lanka T10 continues to rise.
Thakkar, who has now been granted permission to leave Sri Lanka after settling the financial penalties, becomes the first franchise owner in Lanka T10 history to be convicted under the country’s sports integrity laws.
As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a regional hub for franchise-based cricket, this incident also raises pressing questions for tournament organizers, including Sri Lanka Cricket, on the due diligence applied when awarding team ownerships and the oversight mechanisms in places.
Cricket
IPL Temporarily Suspended, PSL Relocated Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
In a major development impacting global cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been temporarily suspended for a week, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been moved to the UAE due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pause the IPL was announced on Friday, following heightened military activity along the border in the Kashmir region. The situation has raised significant safety concerns, leading to a precautionary suspension of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“The well-being of players, officials, and fans is paramount. The resumption schedule will be shared after reviewing the evolving situation,” the BCCI said, emphasizing national security as the overriding concern.
This year’s IPL season, which began in March, still had 12 group-stage fixtures remaining before the playoffs. The final, initially scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, may now face delays or venue changes.
The recent blackout during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, along with the closure of several airports in northern India, further complicated logistics. Punjab’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians has already been shifted from Dharamshala to Mumbai as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the relocation of the remainder of the PSL season to Dubai. This move follows increased concerns from foreign players and support staff about their safety.
An incident involving a drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium just hours before a scheduled PSL match has heightened security concerns. The match was to feature several international stars from countries including Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The ongoing crisis has put the cricketing world on alert, with both cricket boards closely monitoring the geopolitical situation. While cricket holds a significant place in both nations’ cultures, current developments have shifted priorities toward safety and stability.
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