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IPL Temporarily Suspended, PSL Relocated Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

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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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Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

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Cricket Transformation Committee Pledges Greater Support for Women’s Game

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Sri Lanka Cricket’s Cricket Transformation Committee recently engaged in a productive dialogue with the country’s leading women cricketers, reaffirming its commitment to elevating the status and development of women’s cricket across all levels.

The meeting brought together players representing the national team, Sri Lanka ‘A’, and the Under-19 women’s squad. It was chaired by Cricket Transformation Committee Chairman Eran Wickramaratne and attended by several prominent figures in Sri Lankan cricket administration and former international stars.

Among those present were Sri Lanka Cricket Honorary Secretary Prakash Schaffter, Cricket Committee Chairman Sidath Wettimuny, former national captains Kumar Sangakkara and Roshan Mahanama, as well as committee members Dinal Phillips PC, Upul Kumarapperuma PC, Avanthi Colombage and Thushira Raddella. Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva and Sri Lanka Women’s Head Coach Jamie Siddons also participated in the discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Wickramaratne praised the remarkable strides made by Sri Lanka’s women cricketers in recent years, highlighting their historic Asia Cup victory as a defining moment for the sport in the country.

He described the achievement as a milestone that had “rewritten the history of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka” and commended the players for their dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence.

Wickramaratne assured the players that the Cricket Transformation Committee would work towards creating a more equitable cricketing environment, ensuring that women’s cricket receives greater opportunities, recognition and support in line with the men’s game.

Looking ahead, he extended his best wishes to the national women’s team as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing confidence in their ability to continue making the nation proud on the international stage.

The session also featured motivational addresses from Sangakkara, Wettimuny and Mahanama, who shared insights from their own distinguished careers. They encouraged the players to remain focused on both their sporting ambitions and personal development while embracing the values of discipline, teamwork and responsibility.

The cricketing legends emphasized that sustained success is built on collective effort, urging every member of the squad to understand and execute their role effectively for the benefit of the team.

The meeting forms part of Sri Lanka Cricket’s broader efforts to strengthen the women’s game and ensure that the country’s emerging female talent is equipped with the resources and guidance needed to thrive at the highest level.

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All-round Sri Lanka overwhelm West Indies

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Sri Lanka produced a clinical display with both bat and ball to defeat West Indies by 41 runs in the first match of the three match ODI series worked off at Kingston on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 303 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs, thanks largely to impressive contributions from Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis. Nissanka played the anchor role with a composed 79 off 103 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and a six, while Kusal accelerated the scoring with a fluent 72 from 62 balls, featuring four fours and four sixes.

The pair guided Sri Lanka out of early trouble after Kamindu Mendis fell cheaply. Pavan Rathnayake contributed 24, while Charith Asalanka added a useful 45 to keep the innings on track. Janith Liyanage then provided the finishing touches with a brisk unbeaten 44 from 29 balls as the visitors crossed the 300-run mark. Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales claimed two wickets each for the hosts.

West Indies made a promising start to their chase, reaching 73 for 2 inside the first 10 overs. Justin Greaves struck 45 and skipper Shai Hope battled for 56, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments to halt the momentum.

The turning point came through Dushmantha Chameera, whose pace and accuracy troubled the West Indian middle order. The fast bowler claimed four wickets, including the prized scalp of Hope, to finish with 4 for 67. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana played an equally important role, conceding just 26 runs in his ten overs while taking two wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Sherfane Rutherford at a key stage, while Asitha Fernando and Charith Asalanka also entered the wicket column. Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph, West Indies were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.

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