News
Oxford Presidents Cup 2024: Excitement Builds as Hameed Al Husseinie College Hosts Prestigious Soccer Tournament for 14th Year

Colombo, January 24, 2024 – The eagerly anticipated Oxford Presidents Cup (Challenge Trophy) is set to kick off on the 3rd of February 2024 at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. Organized by the Group of 80’s of Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo, and generously sponsored by Oxford Group, this tournament has become a staple in promoting soccer among school children and the wider public for the 14th consecutive year.
Objectives of the Tournament
The primary objectives of the tournament include popularizing soccer, fostering fellowship among participants regardless of background, and providing a vibrant platform for young talents to develop character for future local and international soccer events. The tournament also aims to prepare players for larger grounds and floodlit matches, offering a golden opportunity for selectors from the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the National Team to identify and nurture future talents.
Key Dates and Venues:
- Opening Day Match: 3rd February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Pre Quarters & Quarter Finals: 4th, 5th, and 11th February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Semi Final: 18th February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Grand Finale: 10th March 2024 at Racecourse Ground, Colombo 7.
Brief History of College Football:
Established in 1884, Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo, boasts a rich history spanning over 140 years. Not only has the institution produced notable personalities in various fields, but it has also been a powerhouse in sports. The school, instrumental in training the first-ever world champion in Sri Lanka, continues to shine in football. Over the years, it has clinched major titles across various tournaments, making it a renowned name in school football.
Themes and Recent Achievements:
As ardent football promoters, the organizers have introduced themes for each year. This year’s theme is the “President Trophy.” In the previous edition, Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in a thrilling finale against Kaluthara Muslim Central College, Colombo, securing a historic 2-0 win in front of a packed crowd at Racecourse Ground.
Invited Teams for Oxford Presidents Cup 2024:
- Ananda College, Colombo
- De Mazenod College, Kandana
- Aligar Central College, Eravur
- St Benedict’s College, Colombo
- St Mary’s College, Negambo
- Maristella College, Negombo
- Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo
- Baduriya Central College, Mawanella
- St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- St. Peters College, Colombo
- D S Senanayake College, Colombo
- Gateway International, Colombo
- Wesley College, Colombo
- S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia
- Royal College, Colombo
- Al Mubarak National School, Malwana
- Darussalam College, Colombo
- Isipathana College, Colombo
- Dharmadutha College, Badulla
- Zahira College, Colombo
- St. Henry’s College, Jaffna
- Al Hilal Central College, Negambo
- Al Humaizara College, Beruwala
With an impressive lineup of schools and a history steeped in excellence, the Oxford Presidents Cup 2024 promises to be a showcase of talent, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of soccer. Fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the kickoff of this prestigious tournament that has become a highlight in the Sri Lankan school football calendar.
Match Fixtures
Cricket
Shammi Silva Re-Elected as Sri Lanka Cricket President for Fourth Consecutive Term
Shammi Silva has been re-elected as the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president for the 2025-27 term, marking his fourth consecutive tenure at the helm of the nation’s cricket governing body. Silva secured the position uncontested at the 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo on Monday.
A Controversial Yet Dominant Tenure
Silva’s leadership has not been without controversy. His previous term saw a high-profile clash with former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe in 2023, which led to an interim committee being appointed after Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the ICC ODI World Cup. This move resulted in ICC suspending SLC, which led to Sri Lanka losing the hosting rights for the U19 Men’s World Cup, which was later held in South Africa.
Despite these setbacks, Silva regained control after a court ruling reinstated his administration, and he was later appointed as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in December 2023, replacing Jay Shah.
Challenges & Future Outlook
Sri Lanka Cricket has long been seen as a powerful and influential body, with internal politics often shaping its leadership. With financial mismanagement concerns highlighted in the Auditor General’s report, Silva’s administration faces the challenge of restoring credibility and ensuring better governance.
With the ICC ban lifted, Sri Lanka looks to rebuild its cricketing structure and improve performance on the international stage. The focus now shifts to upcoming bilateral series, the Asia Cup, and preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka Cricket and the latest in the world of sports!
Cricket
Stephen Fleming Defends MS Dhoni’s Batting Position Amid Criticism
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has defended MS Dhoni’s late entry in the batting order, stating that the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman cannot play an extended innings at full intensity due to lingering knee concerns.
The 43-year-old Dhoni faced criticism after coming in at No. 9 during CSK’s 50-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk. In the next match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2025, he batted at No. 7 when CSK required 54 off 25 balls but managed just 16 off 11 as his team fell short by six runs.
Fleming’s Explanation on Dhoni’s Role
Fleming emphasized that Dhoni carefully assesses the match situation before deciding when to bat.
“It’s all about timing. MS judges his body and situation. His knees aren’t what they used to be, so he can’t bat for 10 overs at full intensity. He will step in based on the game’s demands,” Fleming explained at the post-match press conference.
The CSK coach reiterated that Dhoni remains too valuable to the team for his leadership and wicketkeeping and that sending him in too early could be a strategic misstep.
“From around the 13th or 14th over, he assesses the situation and decides. He trusts other batters early on but steps up when needed.”
CSK’s Struggles in the Powerplay Cost Them the Match
Fleming also pinpointed CSK’s poor powerplay performance as a key reason for their loss against Rajasthan Royals. While RR blasted 79/1 in the powerplay, CSK only managed 42/1,
Cricket
Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry
Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.
This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.
The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.
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