News

Is India-Pakistan rivalry the biggest in white-ball cricket?

Published

3 years ago

September 25, 2023

Editor

A heady cocktail of colourful costumes, ear-splitting noise and immense passion can mean only one thing at an ICC Cricket World Cup – India against Pakistan.
Since their first meeting in 1952, the two teams have shared some of the most dramatic matches and jaw-dropping moments in cricket history.
Ahead of their latest meeting on 14 October, we examine just how big the rivalry has become and the current state of play ahead of their duel in Ahmedabad.
White-ball cricket’s fiercest rivalry?
A look back at the numbers from their 2019 showdown serves as a reminder of the scale of the occasion.
Over 700,000 ticket requests, 600 media requests, a reported one billion TV viewers – and that was ahead of a sodden Sunday affair in Manchester, never mind a sultry Saturday at the world’s largest arena, the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Ashes may have history on its side, and there is no lack of bite when England and Australia collide, but their meetings in the shorter format might not quite have the same edge as when India take on Pakistan.
Their meetings in cricket’s global event are as close to a rock concert as the sport will come.
A history like no other
From an opening meeting in the format in 1978 which went down to the final ball – India winning by four runs – this rivalry has been electric.
Pakistan have enjoyed the better of it overall, winning 73 times to their neighbours’ 56, but on the World Cup stage, the roles have been reversed.
The teams first met in 1992 in the World Cup, with India winning by 43 runs in Sydney, and they have a perfect record ever since, winning all seven meetings.
Of course, for Pakistan, that 1992 tournament still brings with it happy memories, as Imran Khan led them to their only World Cup victory to date.
In head-to-heads though, it is India who have claimed the bragging rights, with perhaps the most entertaining meeting coming in 2003 when Saeed Anwar’s stunning century was cancelled out by a brilliant 98 from Sachin Tendulkar as India won by six wickets on their way to a place in the final.
Tendulkar was at it again in an iconic knock in the 2011 semi-final as India won the title on home soil, while Virat Kohli’s courageous century in 2015 was a reminder that the world’s best players always seem to hit top form when the neighbours are in town.
What to expect this time…
After ending a five-year trophy drought with a resounding Asia Cup success, expectations are sky-high for host nation India.
Preparations until now could not have gone much better, with KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah back to their best, Shubman Gill in irresistible form and Kuldeep Yadav showing why he is indispensable.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep finished the tournament with nine wickets at 11.44 and his effectiveness in the middle overs could prove crucial in stifling India’s nearest and dearest.
There were mitigating circumstances for Pakistan’s Asia Cup struggles, with injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf debilitating their pace attack.
Naseem’s potentially tournament-ending shoulder injury is a particular cause for concern, with the 20-year-old boasting a fine record against the Men in Blue.
They will be up against it, crossing the border for ODI action for the first time in a decade, but will be determined to bounce back quickly.
What is for sure, is that every run will be an event, every wicket cheered like a win and at the end of it all, one team will take a giant step towards fulfilling the hopes and dreams of a nation.

News

BALL BLASTER 2026: SRI LANKA’S BIGGEST SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT RETURNS BIGGER THAN EVER

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2026

Editor

24 Schools, 15 Venues and Three National Trophies as Ball Blaster Enters Its Third Year

COLOMBO — Ball Blaster, Sri Lanka’s premier school football tournament, is set to return in 2026 with its biggest edition yet, organized by Aasgard Sports (Private) Limited in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the Ministry of Education.

Now entering its third year, Ball Blaster has grown from 2023 with 20 schools into one of the country’s largest youth football events. The 2025 edition featured 16 schools competing across four groups, drawing national broadcast attention through Sri Lankan Sports TV and PEO TV. For 2026, the tournament expands significantly, with 24 schools set to compete across 15 venues nationwide, in a season spanning six weeks and 84 matches.

A NEW FORMAT: THREE TROPHIES, THREE CHAMPIONS

The standout feature of Ball Blaster 2026 is a new three-tier trophy format. Schools will be drawn into four groups of six, playing a round-robin group stage before advancing into one of three parallel championships based on their group finish: the Cup Trophy for group winners, the Bowl Trophy for runners-up, and the Plate Trophy for second runners-up. The format ensures every participating school remains in contention for a national title deep into the tournament.

All three championships will reach their conclusion on the same finals weekend, with third-place playoffs and grand finals for the Cup, Bowl and Plate trophies all being played at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

“Ball Blaster has always been about giving young footballers a stage,” said a spokesperson for Aasgard Sports. “This year, we’re expanding that stage to every corner of the island, and making sure every school that takes part has something real to play for, right to the final whistle.”

BUILDING ON A STRONG 2025

Ball Blaster’s growth has been underpinned by strong sponsor support. The 2025 edition was backed by Lifebuoy as Title Sponsor, alongside Lemonade as Refreshing Partner and Sky Market Travels as Travelling Partner. Organizers say conversations are already underway with returning and new sponsors ahead of the 2026 season, as the tournament’s expanded scale — nationwide venues, a longer season and three separate finals — offers significantly greater visibility for partners.

BROADCAST AND COVERAGE

As in previous years, Ball Blaster 2026 will be broadcast live via Sri Lankan Sports TV and PEO Sports, with matches also available on YouTube and across Sri Lankan Sports TV’s digital platforms.

For sponsorship and partnership enquiries, contact: Pasindu Mihiranga Sri Lankan Sports TV | Aasgard Sports (Private) Limited 0726 85 18 18 marketing@srilankansportstv.com

www.srilankansportstv.com

Football

Jaswar Umar Hails FIFA Series as Turning Point for Sri Lankan Football

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2026

Editor

Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has described the inaugural FIFA Series in Colombo as a major milestone for the country’s football development, saying the tournament has given Sri Lanka renewed confidence and a stronger connection with the international game.

Umar, who has been involved in efforts to strengthen Sri Lankan football administration and development, said hosting the tournament demonstrated that developing football nations could compete on the global stage when given meaningful opportunities.

The FIFA Series, held in Colombo in March 2024, brought Sri Lanka together with Bhutan, Papua New Guinea and the Central African Republic. The four participating nations represented three different confederations, giving Sri Lanka an unusual opportunity to face teams with different playing styles.

Sri Lanka completed its campaign unbeaten, drawing 0-0 against Papua New Guinea and defeating Bhutan 2-0. Umar said the matches provided valuable experience for the national team and helped players adapt to different forms of international competition.

DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 17: FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Football Federation of Sri Lanka President Jaswar Umar during a meeting on December 17, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Serhat Akin/FIFA)

He stressed that the benefits extended beyond the football field. Sri Lankan officials involved in administration, technical operations, media, medical services and event management gained practical experience in organising matches to international standards.

The Racecourse Ground also received an important upgrade through assistance from FIFA’s Forward Programme. The renovation enabled the historic Colombo venue to host international football and created improved facilities for future events.

Umar said one of the most important achievements was bringing international football closer to Sri Lankan supporters. Young fans were able to watch national players compete against foreign opposition in their own city, helping to inspire a new generation.

He thanked FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino for supporting developing football nations.

According to Umar, the FIFA Series has left Sri Lanka with more than match results. It has provided international experience, stronger administrative capabilities, improved infrastructure and, most importantly, renewed belief in the future of Sri Lankan football.

Cricket

Dulani’s sparkling century powers Sri Lanka to thrilling victory

Published

2 months ago

July 31, 2026

Editor

Imesha Dulani stole the spotlight with a sensational unbeaten century as Sri Lanka Women chased down a formidable target of 177 to register a convincing six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the first T20I worked off at Dambulla international Stadium.

Pakistan looked set for victory after posting a competitive 176 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Muneeba Ali gave the innings early momentum with a fluent 42 off 24 balls, while Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings superbly with a brilliant 63 from 41 deliveries, striking 10 fours and a six. Eman Naseer added a valuable 21, while Ayesha Zafar and Saira Jabeen played aggressive cameos in the closing overs to push Pakistan to an above-par total.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Kavisha Dilhari leading the way with two dismissals. Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari and Kawya Kavindi chipped in with one wicket apiece, while disciplined fielding produced two crucial run-outs.

The chase belonged entirely to Dulani, who delivered the innings of the match. Displaying confidence, composure and a wide range of attacking strokes, she remained unbeaten on 101 from just 64 balls, smashing 17 boundaries and a six. Her innings combined elegance with controlled aggression, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided the ideal platform with a sparkling 39 off 22 balls, adding 78 for the opening wicket before Nashra Sandhu broke the partnership. Although Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs, Dulani remained firmly in control, rotating the strike effectively before accelerating when it mattered most.

Kavisha Dilhari contributed 11 valuable runs, while Nilakshika Silva remained unbeaten on nine as Sri Lanka reached 177 for 4 in 19 overs, sealing victory with six balls to spare.

Pakistan spinner Nashra Sandhu finished with two wickets, but she could do little to halt Dulani’s memorable knock.