News

IPG comes forward as the Ground Rights Holder and the Broadcast Production Partner of one of Sri Lanka Cricket’s premier T20 domestic competition

Published

4 years ago

August 8, 2022

Editor

The Innovative Production Group (IPG) wishes to announce that the company has come forward to support the SLC Skyexch Invitational T20 League. SLC, powered by Dafa News, is one of Sri Lanka Cricket’s premier domestic T20 competitions, as the tournament’s Ground Rights Holder and the Broadcast Production Partner.

With this partnership, the IPG will take steps to introduce International Standard Broadcast Technologies to help Sri Lanka Cricket Livestream the Tournament, globally, via its YouTube Channel and also telecast the matches in Sri Lanka via Siyatha TV Channel.

With this partnership, The SLC Skyexch Invitational T20 League which is set to commence on the 08^th of August 2022 at the RPICS, Colombo with the participation of Sri Lanka’s top white ball cricketers, whom consists of both National and First Class players, will be the first such instance, a domestic cricket tournament will be telecasted with the use of international broadcast technologies.

The four-team competition, which the teams are named SLC REDS, SLC GREENS, SLC BLUES and SLC GREYS will be held from 08^th to 15^th of August 2022 and is conducted as part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The matches will be held as Double Headers, with the first game starting at 3.00 pm and the next at 07.30 pm. The finals of the tournament will take place on the 15^th of August at the same venue.

Chairman of the Tournament Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Samantha Dondawala stated: “The main intention of playing this tournament is to identify the correct combination for the Asia Cup and the World Cup that follows. The national players to play in these matches would have been selected from the Lanka Premier League however it was postponed due to the present situation in the country. Thereby, this tournament is being introduced to ensure that the selectors will have the opportunity of picking the right players.”

In the meantime, Chairman and Managing Director of the IPG Group, Mr. Anil Mohan was optimistic of the success of the first domestic tournament; the company has come forward to partner with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Chairman and Managing Director from IPG Group, Mr. Anil Mohan noted that: “This is the first time that the IPG group is conducting domestic cricket and we are beyond privileged to be working with SLC on domestic rights. The IPG group is looking forward to continuing a long-term relationship with the SLC in promoting high international quality of production.”

“The IPG group’s mission is to enhance the whole domestic league and we are glad to be a part of this event. We are keen on making it bigger and better as the IPG experience will improve the broadcast and production quality to a much greater extent. Furthermore, we would like to extend our utmost gratitude and thanks to the SLC for all the support rendered by them in making this event a success,” added Mr. Mohan.

The title sponsor of the tournament is Skyexch, is powered by Dafa News and the local partner for the tournament is Daraz. Media Partners of the tournament are Siyatha tv and Siyatha FM, while a live digital coverage will also be available on the SLC YouTube channel.

Cricket

Virat Kohli half-century and bowlers help RCB retain IPL title

Published

15 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a composed five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and a disciplined bowling performance.

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a relentless RCB attack and were restricted to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Titans lost both openers early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill inside the first four overs. Nishant Sindhu briefly resisted with 20, but wickets fell at regular intervals as RCB tightened their grip on the contest.

Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse, producing a fighting unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries that featured five boundaries. However, he received little support from the middle order. Rasikh Salam emerged as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a crucial scalp as Gujarat finished below a par total.

In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 from just 16 balls. Although the defending champions lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli anchored the chase with another vintage innings under pressure.

The veteran star struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, controlling the innings with a blend of aggression and composure. Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David added a valuable 24 before falling with the target in sight.

Kohli then guided RCB home alongside wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 11, as Bengaluru reached 161 for 5 in just 18 overs.

The victory secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB and once again highlighted Kohli’s enduring class on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.

Athletics

Tarushi Abisheka Wins Gold for Sri Lanka at Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships

Published

16 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Editor

Sri Lankan athlete Tarushi Abisheka secured a gold medal in the girls’ 1500m event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships currently being held in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 28).

Abisheka delivered an impressive performance to finish first with a timing of 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, bringing glory to Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki claimed the silver medal, while South Korea’s Song Dawson finished in third place to secure the bronze.

The talented Sri Lankan middle-distance runner is also competing in the 800m event at the championship.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted athletes from 40 countries, competing across 46 events.

Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member contingent for the tournament, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.

News

India Outplay Sri Lanka to Crown FIBA U-18 Asia Cup 2026 Champions

Published

16 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Editor

India produced a dominant performance to defeat hosts Sri Lanka 78-56 and clinch the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup 2026 title at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Friday.

The Indian youngsters controlled the game from the opening whistle and displayed excellent teamwork, strong defence and accurate shooting to overpower the home side in front of a large crowd. Sri Lanka struggled to cope with India’s fast-paced attack and fell behind early in the contest.

India held a commanding 42-22 advantage at halftime after a superb first-half display. Their aggressive defence forced several Sri Lankan turnovers, while quick counterattacks allowed them to build a comfortable lead before the break.

Sri Lanka showed improved energy in the second half and attempted to reduce the deficit through determined play and better ball movement. However, India maintained composure and continued to dominate both offensively and defensively to keep the hosts at bay.
The Indian side impressed with their discipline and consistency throughout the tournament and deservedly lifted the championship trophy after remaining unbeaten. Sri Lanka, despite the defeat, earned praise for reaching the final and competing strongly against some of the region’s top youth basketball nations.