Connect with us

News

Lahiru, Dunith, Chamika, Sahan in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad to face Bangladesh

Published

on

Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Welallage, Chamika Karunaratane, and Sahan Arachige have been included in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad to face Bangladesh, which begins on Wednesday (13).

The majority of the team that won the recent 2-1 series against Afghanistan has been retained by the selection committee.

Unfortunately, Asitha Fernando, who was initially named in the squad, will miss the entire series due to an injury sustained during the National Super League (NSL).

Lahiru Kumara has taken his place in the squad due to Asitha’s injury.

Pathum Nissanka, a dynamic batsman, is expected to return for the ODI series after missing the T20I series. He was unable to participate in the entire T20I series due to an injury he suffered during the Afghanistan tour in January.

Sri Lanka felt Nissanka’s absence in the top order, as his replacement, Avishka Fernando, struggled throughout the series. Senior players

Meanwhile, Senior players Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka have not been included in the squad, indicating that the selection committee is focusing on their performance in shorter formats rather than the 50-over format.

After the conclusion of the three T20Is in Sylhet, the teams will travel to Chattogram for a three-match ODI series on March 13, 15, and 18.

This will be followed by two Test matches, the first in Sylhet and the second in Chattogram, allowing both teams to continue their World Test Championship campaigns for this year.

Sri Lanka is currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table, having lost both Tests they have played so far in the current cycle against Pakistan last year, while Bangladesh is in fourth place, having drawn a two-match series against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka probable ODI squad for Bangladesh: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (VC), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dhananjaya, Sahan Arachchige and Chamika Karunaratne

Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket Denies Financial Crisis Claims Amid Transformation Committee Appointment

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Cricket has firmly rejected recent media reports claiming that the organization is facing a financial crisis following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee, stating that such allegations are “entirely false and misleading.”

In an official clarification, SLC emphasized that the Cricket Transformation Committee was appointed by the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs under the powers granted by Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended.

According to SLC, once an order is issued under Section 32 of the Sports Law, the powers, administration, management, and control of the affairs and assets of the relevant sports body are legally transferred to the committee appointed by the Minister.

The organization further noted that the duly appointed Transformation Committee is fully authorized to oversee and manage all affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket, including its financial operations and obligations, until a new Executive Committee is elected.

SLC also pointed out that the appointment of the committee has already been officially published in the Government Gazette, thereby granting it full legal authority to act on behalf of the organization in all administrative and financial matters.

Rejecting claims of financial instability, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterated that its operations continue without disruption. The organization stated that all day-to-day activities, including financial and administrative functions, are proceeding smoothly under the supervision of the Transformation Committee.

SLC further assured stakeholders that all payments to suppliers, service providers, employees, players, and other parties continue to be settled on time, with no interruption to the organization’s commitments.

The statement was issued in response to growing speculation in sections of the media regarding the financial status of Sri Lanka Cricket after the recent administrative changes.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Sri Lanka, India to Clash in Two-Test Series in August

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka and India are set to play a two-match Test series between August 15 and 27 as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Although the official schedule is yet to be announced, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reserved a two-week window for the series following the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League on August 9. Discussions between SLC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are continuing to finalise the venues and match dates.

The proposed tour was initially expected to include three Twenty20 Internationals as well, but there has been no confirmation regarding those matches. The T20 games were originally planned as a fundraising initiative for victims affected by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is currently in Sri Lanka as part of an International Cricket Council delegation reviewing recent developments in Sri Lanka Cricket administration. The Sri Lankan government recently dissolved the previous SLC body and appointed an interim Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee.

Cricket scheduling remains challenging for India due to a packed international calendar later this year. India are expected to tour Bangladesh in September for a white-ball series, although the tour is still uncertain after being postponed previously because of political tensions between the two nations.

India also have commitments against West Indies and Afghanistan later in the year, along with the Asian Games in Nagoya scheduled from September 9 to October 4.

India’s international season resumes in June with a Test series against Afghanistan before tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe.

Continue Reading

Cricket

ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

Published

on

By

Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.

During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.

The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.

The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.

Continue Reading

Trending