News

Wanindu Hasaranga suspended for two matches

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2024

Editor

Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain of Sri Lanka’s T20I team, has been suspended for two international matches due to his accumulation of demerit points. This suspension comes after his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, for which he received a 50 percent fine and three demerit points. Hasaranga was found guilty of personal abuse towards a player, player support personnel, umpire, or match referee during an international match, which is a violation of article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct. As a result, his five demerit points have converted to two suspension points. Two suspension points lead to a ban from either one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first for the player or player support personnel. Consequently, Hasaranga will be suspended for Sri Lanka’s first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month. The incident occurred after the match when Hasaranga confronted umpire Lyndon Hanibal to express his criticism of a decision. Additionally, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an Afghanistan player, has also been penalized. He has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the same match. Rahmanullah was found to have disobeyed an umpire’s instruction during an international match, which is a violation of article 2.4 of the Code.

Furthermore, one demerit point has been added to Rahmanullah’s disciplinary record, as it was his second offense within a 24-month period, bringing his cumulative demerit points to two.

Rahmanullah was sanctioned for repeatedly changing the grip of his bat during the game, despite being warned not to do so. Both players acknowledged their wrongdoing and accepted the sanctions proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, formal hearings were deemed unnecessary. The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinez. For Level 2 breaches, players face a penalty ranging from 50 to 100 percent of their match fee, along with three or four demerit points. On the other hand, Level 1 breaches result in a minimum punishment of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Cricket

Pakistan Lines Up England, Sri Lanka for ODI Tri-Series Later This Year

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Pakistan is preparing to host an ODI tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka in October–November, adding another major event to an already packed international calendar.

Officials familiar with the discussions say both visiting boards have signaled their willingness to participate. Sri Lanka Cricket has conveyed its confirmation during coordination talks around the upcoming tour, while the England and Wales Cricket Board has also agreed to be part of the tournament. Match dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.

Sri Lanka’s visit is likely to begin with a short T20I series against Pakistan, serving as a prelude to the tri-nation ODI competition. Beyond the limited-overs contests, the tour will extend into the red-ball format, with a two-Test series included under the International Cricket Council World Test Championship 2025–27.

The tentative itinerary places the T20Is in October, followed by the ODI tri-series, and concluding with Test matches in November.

Pakistan heads into these fixtures with momentum in multi-team tournaments, having secured two T20 tri-series titles last year—one in the UAE and another on home soil, where they defeated Sri Lanka in the final.

Prior to the home season, Pakistan will be engaged in Test cricket against Bangladesh. The two-match series, also part of the World Test Championship, will be played across Dhaka and Sylhet in May.

With Shan Masood leading the side, selectors have included several uncapped players in the squad, indicating a focus on building depth as Pakistan approaches a demanding stretch of international assignments.

News

Negombo Gears Up for “Run for Hope” as Community Spirit Takes Center Stage

Published

23 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Negombo is preparing to host a vibrant and purpose-driven community event later this month, as Run for Hope arrives on May 23rd with a message that reaches far beyond the track.

Scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM at Kotuwa Grounds, the event is expected to draw participants from across the region, blending athletic enthusiasm with a shared commitment to social impact. Organizers say the run is designed to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers and families looking to support a meaningful cause.

The initiative is led by the Voice Foundation, a group focused on empowering vulnerable communities. Through Run for Hope, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by single mothers while promoting supportive alternatives and long-term solutions through awareness and outreach programs.

This upcoming event follows a successful run earlier this year in Kandy, where strong participation and community backing highlighted the growing momentum behind the campaign. Organizers believe the Negombo edition will further expand that reach, bringing new voices and supporters into the movement.

In addition to the run itself, careful planning has gone into ensuring participant safety and comfort. Hydration points, volunteer assistance, and medical support will be available throughout the course, creating a well-organized and welcoming environment.

Local businesses, media partners, and volunteers have also joined hands to support theinitiative, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change. The event is not only about physical endurance but also about raising awareness and encouraging compassion within society.

Registrations remain open, and organizers encourage early sign-ups as interest continues to grow. Participants and supporters can obtain more information via WhatsApp by contacting 077 251 2374 or 077 861 2374.

Cricket

Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

The Sri Lanka national cricket team is set to embark on a full tour of the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026, featuring a complete schedule across all three formats of the game.

The tour will open with a three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the renowned Sabina Park. The first ODI is scheduled for June 3, followed by the second on June 6 and the final match on June 8. These opening fixtures are expected to set the tone for the remainder of the tour.

Attention will then shift to the shorter format, with three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) also taking place at Sabina Park. The matches are set for June 11, June 13, and June 14, offering fans a fast-paced contest between the two sides.

Sri Lanka will then travel to Antigua for a four-day warm-up game from June 18 to 21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. This match will serve as preparation for the longer format of the game.

The two-match Test series will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The first Test is scheduled from June 25 to 29, while the second Test will take place from July 3 to 7.

Schedule