News
Sri Lanka complete white wash thanks to Pathum’s century
Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka completed a clean sweep of the series against Afghanistan in the third ODI, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s century and Avishka Fernando’s impressive 91 in the third and final ODI worked off at Pallekelle international stadium, Kandy on Wednesday (14).
Afghanistan chose to bat first and managed to post a respectable total of 266 runs before being bowled out in the penultimate over.
The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran got off to a fiery start, scoring 39 runs in just 4.3 overs. However, Zadran was dismissed by a direct hit from Avishka Fernando after contributing 13 runs off 10 deliveries. Gurbaz then formed a solid partnership with Rahmat Shah, adding 47 runs before Rahmat was bowled by Akila Dananjaya in the 18th over, falling just two runs short of his half-century.
Despite losing their captain Hashmatullah Shahidi early on, Rahmat continued to anchor the innings and built a crucial partnership of 58 runs with Azmatullah Omarzai for the fourth wicket. Rahmat was eventually dismissed in the 30th over, but he top-scored for Afghanistan with 65 runs off 77 balls, including seven boundaries and a six.
Omarzai then assumed control of Afghanistan’s batting charge and formed a crucial partnership with Ibrahim Alikhil. Their partnership for the fifth wicket resulted in 57 runs before both players were dismissed in quick succession. Omarzai scored 54 runs off 59 deliveries, including four boundaries, while Alikhil contributed 32 runs in 38 deliveries. The dismissal of both players back-to-back triggered a collapse in the lower order, causing Afghanistan to lose their remaining five wickets for just 29 runs, resulting in a final score of 266.
Pramod Madushan led the bowling attack with figures of 3/45, followed by Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, and Dhananjaya, who each picked up two wickets.
During the chase, Sri Lanka successfully reached the target in a mere 35.2 overs.
Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando laid a strong foundation for the home team, forming an impressive partnership of 173 runs for the opening wicket.
Avishka Fernando played exceptionally well, scoring 91 runs off 66 balls, including 10 boundaries and 5 sixes while Pathum Nissanka continued his outstanding performance by scoring his second century of the series, accumulating 118 runs with 16 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Kusal Mendis also made a valuable contribution, scoring a quick 40 runs.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 266 in 48.2 overs (Rahmat Shah 65, Azmatullah Omarzai 54; Pramod Madushan 3-45, Dunith Wellalage 2-38) lost to Sri Lanka 267/2 in 35.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 118*, Avishka Fernando 91) by 8 wickets.
Football
AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms
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
Football
Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College
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.
Football
Exclusive: AFC Fines Sri Lankan Footballer Over “Free Palestine” Message
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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