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Sri Lanka front runner to host Women’s World Cup after India turn down offer from ICC to host event

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Sri Lanka has emerged as the front runner to host the forthcoming Women’s T20I World Cup 2024 following India’s refusal to accommodate the ICC’s request for the event.

According to reports from Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially rejected the ICC’s request to stage the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place from October 3 to 20. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the ICC had approached the Indian board with this proposal. As a result, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the primary alternatives.

The ICC is contemplating the relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup due to escalating violence and security issues in Bangladesh. The nation has been grappling with significant unrest following anti-government demonstrations that have led to numerous casualties and the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

An ICC representative indicated earlier this week that the situation in Bangladesh is being closely monitored, with all possible options under consideration. Bangladesh is encountering substantial obstacles in its efforts to host the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Stringent travel advisories issued by prominent cricketing nations, including England, Australia, and India, due to security concerns, present a significant challenge for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Adding to the complexity is the ongoing political instability within the country.

The recent governmental transition has left the BCB in disarray, with key figures, such as the former president and sports minister, no longer in their positions. The absence of several board directors due to political affiliations has further intensified the challenges faced by the BCB.

Jay Shah remarked that the ICC had approached him regarding the possibility of hosting the World Cup, to which he firmly responded in the negative.

“The ICC inquired whether we would be willing to host the World Cup. I have unequivocally stated no,” Jay Shah was quoted as saying. “We are currently in the monsoon season, and additionally, we are set to host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I do not wish to convey any indication that I am interested in hosting consecutive World Cups.”

A final decision regarding the potential relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh is expected by 20 August. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 3 to 20 October.

If Sri Lanka cricket board can acquire the hosting rights it would significantly benefit the Chamari-led Asian Champions, providing them with the advantage of playing in familiar conditions and the support of local fans.

Sri Lanka recently hosted the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, where they also secured the inaugural title.

The victory helps cap off a tremendous 14-month period for Sri Lanka, who have claimed T20I series triumphs over Bangladesh, England and South Africa in recent times as well winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament to earn a place at this year’s tournament in October.

Football

Fouzul Hameed Calls for Urgent Reforms in Sri Lankan Football: “Enough is Enough”

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In a powerful and emotional statement, Fouzul Hameed — veteran football advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the AC Milan Academy in Colombo — has delivered a scathing critique of Sri Lanka’s football administration, calling for immediate reforms to rescue the sport from what he describes as “chronic mismanagement and total collapse.

In a candid interview with Serendib News 🔗 Source, Hameed, who also captained Zahira College’s football team during his school days, expressed frustration over the decline of Sri Lankan football — both at grassroots and national levels.

“This is not personal—it’s a wake-up call. Especially at the school level, if we build a proper system, we might finally see decent results,”

Hameed emphasized.

No Future in Football” – A Harsh Reality

Hameed admitted that he now encourages players to focus on their education instead of football due to the lack of career prospects in the sport. He lamented that football has become an elite pastime hijacked by individuals with no understanding or passion for the game.

There’s no future in it right now—no careers, no livelihood,” he said. “Talent doesn’t matter anymore. Football is now controlled by politics and greed.

School Football in Crisis

His strongest words were reserved for the school football system, which he described as being in complete disarray.

Our school system is a disaster. There’s no coaching, no nurturing of talent, and no proper calendar. Finals are played under harsh conditions, without basic facilities like medical support or crowd control.

Comparing football to the glamor of school rugby and cricket, Hameed pointed out how football is marginalized despite having deep roots and mass appeal.

Look at the attention rugby and cricket get. Meanwhile, school football finals happen in near silence. It’s disrespectful.

A Broken Federation

Hameed criticized the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) for its failure in leadership and planning.

The wrong people are running the game. They have no playing background, no vision, no strategy — they’re in it for the titles and benefits.

Highlighting Zahira College’s legacy of producing nearly 100 national players, he said that even his alma mater may withdraw from tournaments due to poor planning and conditions.

Give us one tournament and a proper venue — we’ll show you how it’s done.

Call to Clean House

Calling on the Ministry of Sports and the President of Sri Lanka, Hameed demanded a complete overhaul of the football governing body.

Football can unite this country, but it needs leaders with values and professionalism. We need people who genuinely care about the sport.

He referenced Sri Lanka’s recent humiliating 8-0 loss to India and the issue of national players wearing fake jerseys due to budgetary issues, calling it “a national disgrace.”

Final Word

This is not just a game — it’s identity, dignity, and hope. But it’s being destroyed by incompetence. Enough is enough.

Fouzul Hameed’s passionate appeal reflects a broader concern shared by players, fans, and former athletes alike — that Sri Lankan football is long overdue for reform, and that real change must begin with honest leadership and grassroots investment

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FFSL’s Suspension of Six Leagues Sparks Outrage Amid Governance Failures

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Colombo – The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has suspended six regional football leagues, citing administrative and financial irregularities. However, this decision has triggered widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the federation’s own accountability and governance standards.

The suspended leagues are Embilipitiya, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalkuda, Madhu Manthai West, and Point Pedro, with the FFSL alleging that they failed to submit annual reports, maintain financial accounts, or conduct football activities for over three years.

While FFSL claims these actions were taken to uphold its constitution, critics argue that FFSL itself has consistently failed to meet national governance standards, particularly those outlined in Sri Lanka’s Sports Act.

FFSL’s Own Compliance Under Fire

According to Section 32 of the Sports Act, national sports bodies like FFSL are legally required to submit their audited financial reports for the previous year on or before May 31st each year. However, the FFSL has reportedly failed to comply with this for multiple consecutive years — from 2022 to 2024 — placing it in clear violation of national law.

This failure gives the Ministry of Sports the legal authority to suspend FFSL’s registration, raising the possibility of a broader administrative intervention if reforms are not undertaken.

Lack of Support for Grassroots Development

Furthermore, FFSL’s lack of consistent funding and tournament organization for regional leagues has hampered football development:

  • 2021: LKR 250,000 per league
  • 2022: LKR 100,000
  • 2023 & 2024: No funding
  • 2025: Limited support to select leagues for a yet-to-be-played Y19 Youth League

Despite this, FFSL is now penalizing regional leagues for being inactive — an inactivity that many argue is the direct result of the federation’s own inaction and neglect.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The suspension of Jaffna Football League, which is currently under judicial review, has also raised eyebrows. With a court case pending, legal experts question how FFSL can justify suspending a league under such circumstances without violating due process.

Hypocrisy in Action?

Despite citing “no financial reports” as a reason for suspension, FFSL has not published its own audited reports for three straight years. Observers call this an act of institutional hypocrisy, and many stakeholders are calling for the federation to hold itself to the same standards it demands of others.

If Sri Lanka is to progress in regional and international football, governance reform must begin at the top — starting with FFSL’s transparency, accountability, and genuine grassroots development efforts.

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Strengthening Ties Through Sport: China Donates Five Dragon Boats to Sri Lanka

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The People’s Republic of China has donated five dragon boats worth LKR 5 million to Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in promoting water sports across the island.

The donation was made during the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Dragon Boat Championship, organized by NACKSL – the National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking Sri Lanka, held on May 31 at the Diyawanna Rowing Center. The championship saw the participation of 25 teams from various regions of the country.

The event was graced by:

  • Minister of Youth and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamagedara
  • Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara
  • Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong

Trophies and certificates were awarded to the winning athletes, and the official handover of the dragon boats was completed at the same event.

A Symbol of Friendship and Cultural Exchange

Minister Gamagedara emphasized that the China-Sri Lanka Dragon Boat Championship, and the donation of dragon boats, symbolize the strong cultural, sporting, and diplomatic ties between the two nations. He extended his gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and stated that this generous gift would be instrumental in expanding and developing water sports across Sri Lanka.

“From North to South and East to West, we are committed to promoting water sports across the country,” said the Minister.

He further noted that this donation would help create pathways for Sri Lankan youth in canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boat racing, while also boosting sports tourism.

Celebrating Unity and National Inclusion

Special appreciation was extended to student participants from schools in Jaffna, highlighting the championship’s role in fostering national unity and showcasing the talent and commitment of young athletes from all regions.

The Deputy Minister also expressed hope that more youth with exceptional talent in water sports would be provided with sports scholarships in the future.

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