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Lanka Premier League 2024 set to be played from July 1 to July 31

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The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is gearing up for its fifth edition, set to captivate cricket enthusiasts from July 1st to July 31st, 2024. This year’s tournament promises an exhilarating month of cricket, showcasing the talents of five competitive teams across a total of 24 games.

The structure of the competition includes a first round of 20 matches, leading up to a final round comprising 4 matches, which will include qualifiers 1 & 2 and the eliminator. Each team is allowed a roster of 20 to 24 players, with a maximum of 6 overseas players, ensuring a blend of local talent and international flair.

The Lanka Premier League has established itself as Sri Lanka’s premier T20 domestic competition, attracting cricket fans worldwide with its vibrant mix of high-quality cricket and entertainment. Since its inception in 2020, the LPL has grown in stature and popularity, becoming a much-awaited event on the Sri Lankan cricket calendar.

The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is all set to captivate cricket enthusiasts from July 1st to July 31st, 2024. This year’s tournament guarantees an exciting month of cricket, featuring the skills of five competitive teams in a total of 24 games.

The competition structure consists of a first round comprising 20 matches, leading up to a final round consisting of 4 matches, including qualifiers 1 & 2 and the eliminator. Each team can have a roster of 20 to 24 players, with a maximum of 6 overseas players, ensuring a mix of local talent and international expertise.

The Lanka Premier League has firmly established itself as Sri Lanka’s top T20 domestic competition, attracting cricket fans from around the world with its blend of high-quality cricket and entertainment. Since its inception in 2020, the LPL has gained immense popularity and become a highly anticipated event on the Sri Lankan cricket calendar.

The 2024 edition, with its extended schedule spanning the entire month of July, is set to provide non-stop action and excitement, further elevating the league’s reputation on the global stage. As the tournament unfolds, teams will compete in various venues across Sri Lanka, aiming to overthrow B-Love Kandy, the reigning champions who secured the title in the thrilling 2023 final.

The auction is set to be a hub of strategic acquisitions, as franchises compete to build teams capable of winning the coveted trophy, with capped players priced between $10,000 and $50,000. The LPL has witnessed significant changes in franchise ownership, with last year’s owners differing greatly from those who managed teams in the inaugural season back in 2020.

The first three seasons were dominated by teams named Jaffna, with Stallions winning in the first season and Kings clinching victory in seasons two and three, all under the captaincy of Thisara Perera. However, in 2023, B-Love Kandy emerged as the champions, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, except for the final match where he was unfortunately injured.

Football

AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms

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Indian football is staring at yet another international suspension as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ratify its long-pending constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk a complete ban from world football.

In a strongly-worded two-page letter sent on Tuesday (August 26) to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the failure to finalise and implement a revised constitution, a matter pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.

If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions, while the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic Games bid in Ahmedabad could also be thrown into uncertainty.

FIFA & AFC Ultimatum

The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, set out three urgent requirements for the AIFF:

1. Obtain a definitive Supreme Court order approving the revised constitution.

2. Ensure full compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.

3. Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.

Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger sanctions, including full suspension of AIFF membership.

Previous Suspension in 2022

This is not the first governance crisis to hit Indian football. In August 2022, FIFA suspended the AIFF for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed Committee of Administrators temporarily ran the federation. That ban lasted just two weeks, lifted only after fresh elections were held in which Kalyan Chaubey defeated football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.

Domestic Fallout – ISL in Crisis

The deadlock has already disrupted Indian football at the domestic level. The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional league, has been put “on hold” by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the AIFF’s commercial partner, due to uncertainty over its Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December 2025.

At least three clubs have suspended operations or delayed salaries, while all 11 ISL clubs have warned of an “existential crisis.” Reports from FIFPRO further highlight cases of players’ contracts being terminated, leaving livelihoods at risk.

The Supreme Court of India will hear the matter again on August 28, a session that could determine the immediate future of the ISL and India’s football calendar.

What’s at Stake

If AIFF fails to meet the October deadline, India could lose:

• Participation in FIFA and AFC tournaments.

• Entry rights for national teams and clubs in international competitions.

• Momentum in its 2036 Olympics bid.

• Credibility with players, fans, and commercial partners.

For now, the football fraternity in India waits anxiously for the Supreme Court’s verdict and AIFF’s ability to steer through yet another governance storm

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Football

Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College

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Colombo – Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in the prestigious Heritage Derby Trophy football encounter against Zahira College, Maradana, securing a 3–1 win at the Colombo Racecourse grounds yesterday.

The match kicked off under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, adding special significance to this annual football rivalry.

Hameed Al Husseinie College took control early, leading 2–0 at halftime before sealing the victory with a third goal in the second half. Zahira College managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant performance of the winners.

The trophy presentation was held soon after the final whistle, with the principals of both schools — Rizvi Marikkar of Zahira College and Mrs. Dain of Hameed Al Husseinie College — present to witness the celebrations.

This latest victory adds another chapter to the rich history of the Heritage Derby, further cementing Hameed Al Husseinie College’s reputation in school football.

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Football

Exclusive: AFC Fines Sri Lankan Footballer Over “Free Palestine” Message

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Colombo – June 13
Sri Lankan national footballer Mohamed Thilham, who recently made headlines after displaying a “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE” message on his undershirt during post-match celebrations, has now been officially penalized by international football authorities.

Following Sri Lanka’s 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on June 10 at the Colombo Racecourse Stadium, Thilham—a non-playing substitute—unveiled the message, drawing both praise and criticism from various quarters.

⚠️ AFC Sanctions Player with USD 2,000 Fine

FIFA, in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has now issued a formal disciplinary notice to the player, imposing a USD 2,000 fine. This letter, according to sources within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), was sent addressing to Thilham, underscoring AFC stance on politically charged expressions at official matches.

According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, players are prohibited from displaying political, religious, or personal slogans during matches or official ceremonies. While Thilham’s gesture occurred after the final whistle, FIFA and AFC treat any action within the stadium environment as part of official conduct.

⚽ FFSL Under Scrutiny for Disciplinary Action

FFSL President Jaswar Umar previously stated that the act “was not authorized by the federation” and “violates international football disciplinary norms.” He also confirmed that the FFSL would take internal disciplinary action against the player.

However, this incident has reignited public debate over the role of athletes in social advocacy and the limits imposed by international sports law. While some supporters see Thilham’s actions as courageous and morally driven, others have raised concerns about the player’s career stability and future opportunities under increasing scrutiny.

📝 Editorial Insight

At Sri Lankan Sports TV, we initially chose to withhold the content of the message in our match coverage—out of responsibility to the player’s career and to respect global sports protocol. However, the message went viral after several social media users circulated the full image, seemingly with the intention of sparking controversy.

The resulting spotlight has unfortunately led to a formal penalty, underscoring the real-world consequences that athletes may face when international regulations intersect with personal conviction.

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