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Pathum Nissanka recalled to Sri Lanka squad to face Pakistan

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Sri Lanka has recalled opening batter Pathum Nissanka to their Test squad which will face Pakistan in the two-match test series starting from Sunday (16).

Nissanka, who has played just three Tests for Sri Lanka, last featured in the format last year against Australia at home.

The 28-year-old has found a spot in the squad after having missed the country’s last two red-ball assignments.

Nissanka had a decent outing in the recently concluded World Cup qualifiers, where he smashed a couple of hundreds in Sri Lanka’s successful campaign.

Other notable inclusions are Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka and Lakshitha Manasinghe.

Surprisingly spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who didn’t get a game against Ireland recently at home, has been handed the axe. The likes of Asitha Fernando, Dushan Hemantha and Milan Priyanath Rathnayake have also been dropped from the squad that hammered Ireland 2-0 in the series in April.

Meanwhile, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne is likely to miss the first Test against Pakistan (though he is named in the squad) due to a hamstring injury. He will undergo fitness tests in Colombo over the next 48 hours, and if found unfit, will not travel to Galle for the match, which begins on 16 July.

If Karunaratne is unavailable, the team is likely to be led by vice-captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Dimuth picked up the injury during the recently concluded World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

On the conclusion of the first Test, the two teams will travel to Colombo for the second Test at the SSC from 24 to 28 July.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lakshitha Manasinghe

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Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s bowling action under scrutiny?

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Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamindu Wickramasinghe has come under the spotlight after his bowling action was officially reported as suspicious during a recent domestic encounter.

The incident occurred in a match of the National Super League held from April 6 to 9, where the Dambulla side faced Colombo. Wickramasinghe, representing Dambulla, drew attention from match officials, prompting concerns over the legality of his action.

The on-field umpires, Deepal Gunawardena and Ravindra Wimalasiri, made the report in accordance with standard procedures. Match referee Manoj Mendis also oversaw the process, ensuring that all regulations were followed.

Following the report, the matter has been referred to the Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Unit for further assessment. Wickramasinghe may now be required to undergo biomechanical testing to determine whether his bowling action complies with the laws of the game.

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Sri Lanka lasses continue to impress

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Sri Lanka Under-19 Women extended their impressive run in the Tri-Series with a composed four-wicket victory over Australia Women Under-19 cricket team at Bill Pippen Oval Today.

After being put in to bat, Australia U-19 struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Ayla Johnson top-scored with 18 off 29 balls, while Alyssa Dermody added a quick 13. However, regular wickets halted their progress as they finished on a modest 91 for 9 in 20 overs. Limansa Thilakarathne led the bowling effort with an impressive 3 for 26, well supported by Chamudi Praboda, who claimed 2 for 21.

In response, Sri Lanka Women Under-19 cricket team chased down the target with 92 for 6 in 19.3 overs. Despite a few setbacks, Pramudi Methsara anchored the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 17 balls, while Danodya Sewmini contributed a steady 14. Australia’s Filippa Suesee (3 for 18) and Ira Aery (2 for 13) fought hard, but Sri Lanka held their nerve.

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Football Chief Jaswar Umar Enters Race for NOC Presidency

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Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, has officially submitted his nomination to contest for the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Umar becomes the fourth candidate in the race, joining Shirantha Peiris, Deva Henry, and Asanga Seneviratne, who are also contesting for the top position in the country’s Olympic body.

His time as football chief has created divided opinions among sports professionals who evaluate his performance. On one hand, Sri Lanka’s national team has shown improvement in international results, including a rise in the FIFA rankings from 204 to 191, along with notable performances against stronger opposition.

However, his approach has also faced criticism. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the increased reliance on Sri Lankan-origin overseas players, with claims that it has limited opportunities for local talent. The long-term vision for developing youth and building grassroots football programs has become a subject of public inquiry.

Umar now aims to advance his career through NOC while he leads Sri Lankan football with both positive results and ongoing public criticism of his work.

The upcoming election will become a competitive battle because four candidates will vie for control of a key position which holds major power within the country’s sports system.

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