News
Premier League’s major clubs propose shrinking top flight of English football in a major shake-up

New proposals would see money go straight to lower leagues, but control of the Premiership would be handed to just nine teams
The biggest shake-up of English football in a generation is being proposed by Manchester United and Liverpool and it would see the number of teams in the top flight reduced from 20 to 18.
Sky News’ sports correspondent Martha Kelner said the changes would be “seismic” and put the majority of the power into the hands of the biggest clubs.
The plan – called Project Big Picture – has been confirmed to Sky News, and was first reported in the Sunday Telegraph.
As well as a change in size, the new proposals would change the leagues finances and power system.
A quarter of the league’s revenue would go to the English Football League (EFL), with £250m paid up front to help them through the coronavirus crisis..Advertisement
The FA would also receive £100m as a gift.
A change in the power structure would mean an end to the one-club, one-vote system
Instead, the nine clubs that have been in the league for the longest amount of time will have full control of the running of the league.
Those teams would also be able to play more games in the Champions League, which is set to be expanded in 2024.
Across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two, there would be 90 clubs in total, and the League Cup and Community Shield competitions would also be abolished.
For Championship clubs, there would be two automatic promotion places, whole the third, fourth and fifth placed clubs would enter into the play-offs with the 16th placed Premier League club.
The move has support from the chairman of the EFL, Rick Parry, who has held talks with both Liverpool and Manchester United.
Lower league clubs have been calling for more support, after the coronavirus crisis left them unable to open their grounds.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the chairman of Colchester United, a League Two club, said the Premier League “really should step in and do something” because they are “in danger from the building that’s crumbling below them”.
“The Premier League sits on top of a pyramid, and it’s a really proud thing we have in our game, this system that goes all the way down into non-league as well,” Robbie Cowling told Sky News.
“Most of the England team, most of the Premiership teams, their players have come from grassroots, they’ve all played under-9s football somewhere.
“The Premier League seems to think that we suck from it, but that’s not the case. It sucks from the rest of the pyramid system. It really should step in and do something. They have to.
“If they think they’re enjoying this penthouse view and they’re not in danger from the building that’s crumbling below them, they’re absolutely mad.” (Source – Sky News)
Cricket
Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the Bangladesh National Men’s Team will tour the island from June 13 to July 16, 2025, for a multi-format bilateral series featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
The tour kicks off with the Test series, which begins on June 17 at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from June 25 to 29 at the SSC in Colombo. This red-ball series will offer crucial preparation and exposure for both sides ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
Sri Lanka holds a dominant record in Test encounters, having won 20 out of 26 matches against Bangladesh. Bangladesh has managed just one win, with five Tests ending in draws. Their last Test series in April 2024 saw Sri Lanka claim a clean sweep in Bangladesh, 2-0.
The limited-overs leg begins with ODIs on July 2 and 5 at R. Premadasa Stadium, before the third match takes place on July 8 at Pallekele — all day-night games starting at 2:30 PM.
The action continues with the T20I series, starting July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and a final showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium on July 16.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Tour Fixtures – 2025:
- June 17–21: 1st Test – Galle
- June 25–29: 2nd Test – SSC, Colombo
- July 2: 1st ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 5: 2nd ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 8: 3rd ODI – Pallekele
- July 10: 1st T20I – Pallekele
- July 13: 2nd T20I – Dambulla
- July 16: 3rd T20I – R. Premadasa Stadium
This tour promises exciting cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads across formats.
Football
Sri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka has officially announced the Under-19 national squad for the SAFF U19 Championship 2025, featuring a blend of local talent and international prospects. The squad, comprising 23 promising young footballers, will represent the nation in the prestigious South Asian regional tournament scheduled to take place later this year.
The squad showcases a mix of school football stars from leading institutions in Colombo, Galle, Kinniya, and Negombo, along with Sri Lankan-origin players currently based in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. This strategic inclusion of overseas talent is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s chances of a deep run in the championship.

Sri Lanka U19 Squad for SAFF Championship 2025
- Vijayaratnam Haris – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- Senapala Nadal Aaron – Gateway International, Colombo
- Mohamed Hafeef Akram – T. B. Jayah MV, Colombo
- Suthakar Roisan Bright – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- Aidan Francis Perera – Gateway International, Colombo
- Mohamed Rizwan Mohamed Aashif – Zahira College, Colombo
- Mohamed Shiras Mohamed Shahid – Zahira College, Colombo
- Krawege Hirun Mirasha – Mahinda College, Galle
- Kalinga Anupa Pabasara – Mahinda College, Galle
- Mohamed Rikas Muhammed – Zahira College, Colombo
- Mohamed Siddeek Mohamed Maziyad – Hameedia Al Husseine College
- Abdul Hameed Mohammed Irfan – Al Ameen National School, Kinniya
- Mohammadu Hussain Abdullah – Al Falah, Negombo
- Silmy Mohamed Hussain – Hameedia Al Husseine College
- Mohamed Ramlan Abdul Rahman – Hameedia Al Husseine College
- Mohamed Faris Umar – Darussalam College
- Kaleelullah Mohamed Katheem – Zahira College, Colombo
- Edirisinghe Omith (Captain) – Australia
- Nassim Abdallah Faiz – United Arab Emirates
- Luckman Rashad Shihab – Royal College, Colombo
- Zafarullah Zakariyya – Australia
- Dassanayake Anuk Shahil – Gateway International College
- Zawahir Ayman Riyas – Australia
Led by captain Edirisinghe Omith, the team will focus on showcasing Sri Lanka’s evolving football potential in a tournament that features South Asia’s best young talents. With preparations underway, the coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s chances to make a lasting impression.
Group Stage Fixtures (IST)
May 9, 7:30 PM – India U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
May 11, 7:30 PM – Sri Lanka U19 vs Nepal U19
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates, match previews, and player highlights as Sri Lanka embarks on its U19 SAFF Championship journey.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Soars to Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings After Remarkable Year

Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.
The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings
This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.
The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.
Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination
Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.
With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.
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