News

Sri Lanka Advances to 200th Position in FIFA Rankings: A Closer Look at the Journey

Published

4 months ago

September 19, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka’s national football team has made a significant leap, advancing to the 200th position in FIFA’s global rankings following their recent win against Cambodia in the AFC Cup qualifiers. This achievement is a welcome improvement, considering Sri Lanka’s struggle to rise from near the bottom of the table in recent years.

Historical Perspective: A Long Road to Recovery

Sri Lanka’s journey in the FIFA rankings has been a rollercoaster over the past two decades. In 2000, the team ranked 153rd out of 202 countries, signaling potential for growth. Their best position came in 2005 when they climbed to 139th, showcasing some promise on the international stage. However, inconsistency, lack of infrastructure, and limited international exposure led to a steep decline in subsequent years.

In 2010, Sri Lanka dropped to 151st, and by 2015, they slipped further to 172nd. The lowest point came in 2020, when the team was ranked 206th out of 210 countries. This ranking placed Sri Lanka among the bottom five footballing nations globally, reflecting the challenges the national team faced.

Analyzing the Current Rise

The recent jump to 200th may seem modest, but it represents a glimmer of hope for the Sri Lankan football community. The win against Cambodia in the AFC Cup qualifiers was crucial, not just for points but for morale. Cambodia, ranked higher than Sri Lanka before the match, was a key opponent. Defeating them showed that Sri Lanka has the potential to compete in international fixtures with the right preparation and strategy.

This rise also highlights the incremental changes happening within the national setup. While there’s still a long way to go to reach their highest-ever ranking of 122nd in 1998, the recent improvements suggest that Sri Lanka is gradually moving in the right direction. However, the rise in rankings also raises important questions about sustainability. Can Sri Lanka maintain this upward trajectory, or will it be a short-lived success?

Key Challenges Ahead

Inconsistent Performances: Sri Lanka’s ranking fluctuations over the years indicate that consistency is one of their greatest challenges. The team needs to string together positive results in upcoming AFC Cup matches to solidify their current standing.
Domestic Football Development: The success of any national team depends heavily on the strength of its domestic leagues. Sri Lanka’s football infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional counterparts. A lack of investment in grassroots programs, coaching standards, and facilities has hindered the production of talented players. Revamping domestic leagues and focusing on youth development will be crucial for long-term success.
International Exposure: Limited exposure to high-level international competition is another major hurdle. Sri Lankan players lack the experience of regularly competing against top-tier teams, both in South Asia and beyond. Engaging in more international friendlies and tournaments could bridge this gap and provide valuable learning experiences.
Federation Mismanagement: Sri Lanka’s football administration has been criticized for inefficiency, mismanagement, and lack of vision. For real progress to be made, there must be a shakeup in how football is governed in the country. Transparent and accountable leadership is essential to fostering an environment where players can thrive.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sri Lankan Football

Sri Lanka’s jump in the FIFA rankings may serve as a motivating factor for both the players and fans. The national team has the talent and potential to improve further, but consistent development requires a holistic approach. More investment in the sport at both the grassroots and national levels is necessary, along with sustained efforts to build a strong football culture in the country.

If Sri Lanka can build on this recent success and address the systemic issues holding them back, there’s hope for them to move further up the rankings. With strategic focus and proper support, the nation could aspire to return to the levels seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

As Sri Lanka moves forward, their ranking will be a clear indicator of progress in both domestic football development and international competition, and it remains to be seen whether this improvement is the start of a new era for Sri Lankan football or just a temporary rise.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Editor

In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Series 2025: A Thrilling Battle Awaits

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka hosts Australia for a highly anticipated Test series in January and February 2025. With two Test matches and two ODIs lined up, this tour carries immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting tournament:

Series Schedule

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Key Highlights and Team Updates

Australia’s Preparations

Australia enters the series with a strong squad bolstered by the return of captain Steve Smith, who has recovered from an elbow injury. Smith’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to the team.

However, the absence of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann due to a thumb injury is a setback. This opens the door for young talent Cooper Connolly, a promising 21-year-old who may make his Test debut.

Selectors have also hinted at a key role for Travis Head, who could open the innings. His recent success in India as a fast-scoring opener makes him an exciting prospect for the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Formidable Home Advantage

Sri Lanka has been a dominant force on home soil, with impressive Test wins against England and New Zealand in recent years. Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches, will likely play a decisive role in shaping the series.

Cricket

Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Sri Lanka in International Masters League (IML) 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
India – Sachin Tendulkar
Australia – Shane Watson
England – Eoin Morgan
West Indies – Brian Lara
South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.