Sri Lankan fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has secured a short-term contract with Essex County Cricket Club to play in five upcoming Rothesay County Championship matches.

The 31-year-old right-arm seamer brings a wealth of experience, having represented Sri Lanka across all formats. Notably, Rajitha has played 18 Test matches, capturing 55 wickets at an average of 29.58. One of his standout performances came against Bangladesh in March 2023, when he picked up career-best figures of 5 for 56.

Rajitha made his Test debut in June 2018 against the West Indies and made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul across the match, dismissing top players like Jason Holder and Kraigg Braithwaite.

His stint with Essex reunites him with Chris Silverwood, Essex’s Director of Cricket and former Sri Lanka Head Coach, under whom Rajitha played between 2022 and 2024. Domestically, Rajitha has recently represented Colombo in Sri Lanka’s first-class circuit.

Chris Silverwood expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Kasun brings quality and depth to our pace attack. I’ve seen firsthand what he can deliver and am confident he will be a valuable asset.”

Rajitha, set to don the number 65 jersey, is expected to debut for Essex in their upcoming match against Worcestershire this weekend.

He shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me to join a prestigious club like Essex. I look forward to contributing to the team and enhancing my game in English conditions.”

Sri Lanka is set to make history once again as the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF). This prestigious global tournament will be held across two top-tier venues – the Austasia Sports Complex and the newly constructed U Pro Arena in Thalawathugoda.

The event is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, bringing together nine international teams: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, and host nation Sri Lanka.

The tournament will feature four major categories:

• Men’s Open

• Women’s Open

• Under-22 Boys

• Under-22 Girls

This marks a significant milestone for the CICA, which successfully hosted the World Masters Series just five months ago. Their proven ability to organize world-class events has been a key factor in securing this global competition.

More than 1,000 participants and visitors, including players, coaches, and fans, are expected to attend, making it not just a sporting spectacle but also a boost for sports tourism in Sri Lanka.

This will be Sri Lanka’s second time hosting the Indoor Cricket World Cup, having previously organized it in 2004. The upcoming edition will be the third major international event hosted by CICA within a year, following the England Asia Cup and the World Masters Series.

Historically, Australia has dominated the Men’s division, clinching every title since the competition’s inception. New Zealand has consistently been a strong contender, finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions. In the Women’s division, Australia has also maintained a perfect record, with South Africa and New Zealand trailing behind as regular finalists.

With world-class facilities, strong organizational credentials, and growing international interest, Sri Lanka is poised to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025.

By Sri Lankan Sports TV

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is heating up with some surprising shifts at the top and traditional giants struggling to find form. After the first few rounds, here’s how the standings shape up:

Top of the Table: DC, GT & RCB Lead the Pack

• Delhi Capitals (DC) have made a blazing start to the season, winning all three of their opening matches. With a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.257, they’re showing dominance both with the bat and ball.

• Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are right behind with 3 wins each from 4 games, boasting strong NRRs of +1.031 and +1.015 respectively. Both teams look solid, although GT’s recent loss may raise concerns about consistency.

Mid-Table Battle: PBKS, KKR, LSG, RR in the Mix

• Punjab Kings (PBKS) have shown good promise with 2 wins in 3 matches, staying competitive with an NRR of +0.074.

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are all locked on 4 points. However, their fluctuating form and relatively low NRRs suggest they need to improve quickly to keep pace.

The Struggle Below: MI, CSK, and SRH Falter

• Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are in unfamiliar territory. Each has just one win, with CSK and SRH particularly struggling in the NRR department.

• CSK’s -0.891 NRR reflects a concerning trend in both batting depth and bowling effectiveness, while MI (-0.010) and SRH (-1.629) need urgent tactical reshuffling.

Key Takeaways:

• Unbeaten DC are the team to beat so far.

• RCB’s firepower and GT’s depth keep them in strong contention.

• Traditional powerhouses like CSK and MI must bounce back soon to remain in playoff contention.

• Middle-order teams need consistency to break into the top 4.

With plenty of matches still to be played, the table is likely to see more twists. Keep watching this space for weekly updates!