South Africa thrash Sri Lanka to fuel World Test Championship bid
Durban, South Africa, AFP: South Africa’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final received a boost when they completed a 233-run over Sri Lanka on the fourth day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Saturday. The result lifted South Africa to second place in the WTC table, which is calculated on average points [...]
Abu Dhabi T10 league under ‘corruption’ radar following unusual front-foot no-balls
The ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League is facing significant scrutiny amid concerns about potential spot-fixing, particularly involving unusual front-foot no-balls. Sources report that the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has launched an investigation to determine if any foul play has occurred in the 10-team tournament, sparked by a series of suspicious front-foot no-balls. On the night [...]
It’s about preserving sanctity of the game we all love – Sanga
Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara has highlighted the growing threat of corruption fueled by unchecked franchise cricket and the need for structural reform. “The advent of the IPL and the proliferation of franchise leagues have provided incredible opportunities for players,” he observed, speaking virtually to the Sri Lanka Law College International Research Conference [...]
Hasini and Hasara reach South Africa International semis
Sri Lanka’s Hasini Ambalangodage and Hasara Wijayaratne reached the Women’s Doubles semi-final of the South Africa International 2024 Badminton Tournament at the John Tyers Hall at Access Park in Cape Town on Saturday. Hasini and Hasara, who are currently enjoying a successful series of competitions in the African continent, defeated Deborah Godfrey and Anri Schoonees [...]
Governance crisis at Sri Lanka’s National Olympic Committee could lead to global ban
The failure to address serious governance issues within the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), particularly regarding the alleged misconduct of Secretary General Maxwell de Silva, could lead to a potential global ban. Weeks ago, both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) called for the suspension of de [...]
More details of NOC funds being misused
In the midst of the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) risking their status as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) over potential misconduct and corruption, they are being charged with another possible misconduct of funds granted to athletes and the NOC Athletes’ Commission. The allegation raised by [...]
Shared experiences make Murray ‘perfect coach’, says Djokovic
London, United Kingdom, AFP: Novak Djokovic said shared experiences with Andy Murray make the Scot the “perfect coach” as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam in Australia in January. Murray, a three-time major winner, retired after the Paris Olympics at the age of 37, finally admitting defeat in his long battle against [...]
England on verge of wrapping up first New Zealand Test
A sustained seam attack by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse following a belligerent batting effort saw England on the verge of wrapping up the first Test at stumps on day three in Christchurch on Saturday. New Zealand were 155-6 at the close, ahead by just four runs and with only four wickets remaining. Daryl Mitchell [...]
Yevan David’s journey to motorsport’s pinnacle
Yevan David, Sri Lanka’s trailblazing Formula 3 driver who made history at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in Italy, had the distinct honour of playing the national anthem not once, but twice. As international sports commentator Jake Sanson aptly revealed in Colombo earlier this week, it was the very first time that Sri Lanka’s national [...]
Judge to decide next month whether to drop French rugby players’ rape case
Mendoza, Argentina, AFP: An Argentine judge will decide on December 10 whether to dismiss the charges against two French international rugby players accused of raping a woman after a match in the South American country, authorities said. The Friday announcement by judicial authorities in Argentina’s Mendoza province, where the alleged attack took place, comes after [...]
Manudi to lead girls U-19 team for Asia Cup
Manudi Nanayakkara of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa has been appointed captain of the 15-member squad for the upcoming ACC Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup cricket tournament in Malaysia. Rashmika Sewwandi of Anura Balika Vidyalaya, Matara will serve as the vice-captain. The squad includes six players from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama, including one traveling reserve. The [...]
Dilruwan changes role from selector to coach
Dilruwan Perera has resigned from his role as a national cricket selector to focus on a career in coaching. The former Sri Lanka spinner was part of the current five-member selection committee, headed by Upul Tharanga, but has decided to step down to pursue his passion for coaching. Following his resignation, Perera was appointed head [...]
Hamilton says he is ‘definitely not fast any more’
Lewis Hamilton has said he is “definitely not fast any more” after another disappointing qualifying performance in his final season at Mercedes. Hamilton’s comments came after he qualified seventh for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix. The seven-time champion, who is joining Ferrari next season, was 0.399 seconds slower than team-mate George Russell, [...]
Australia’s Hazlewood out of 2nd India Test
Sydney, Australia, AFP: Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was on Saturday ruled out of the second Test against India in Adelaide, with seamers Sean Abbott and Brendon Doggett added to their squad. The right-armer, who took five wickets in Australia’s 295-run first Test defeat at Perth, has what Cricket Australia described as “a low-grade left [...]
ICC Meeting adjourned after brief talks, hailed as a positive first step
The crucial meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board members over the vexing issue of the Champions Trophy concluded without a resolution. The meeting lasted for approximately 20 minutes before the Board members agreed to reconvene soon, potentially within the next 24-48 hours, or at even a later date. A settlement acceptable to all [...]
Major sponsors boost success of 72nd Badminton Nationals
The Tournament Committee Secretary of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) acknowledged the crucial role of the sponsors for the expected success of the 72nd National Badminton Championship 2024, which is set to get underway at three prominent venues in Colombo from today. Jaliya Jayasekara, the Secretary of the Tournament Committee of SLB, acknowledged the commitment of [...]
Taj Samudra present warm sendoff to Kiwis
The New Zealand cricket team, who played two T20 matches and three One Day Internationals in Dambulla and Pallekele, concluded their Sri Lanka tour with a warm send-off at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo. The team was seen sharing moments with the hotel staff before their departure, marking the end of a memorable series. [...]
C.W. Mackie win Mercantile Division III title
In a historic victory, C.W. Mackie PLC claimed the title Division III of the Mercantile Football League 2024. The championship, organised by the Mercantile Football Association, was held at the Weerasinghe Mallimarachchi ground in Madinagoda, marking C.W. Mackie’s first-ever tournament triumph in the company’s history. Throughout the seven matches, the C.W. Mackie team distinguished themselves [...]
MAS Holdings retain Merc title for ninth consecutive year
MAS Holdings emerged overall champions for the ninth consecutive year at the Mercantile Tennis Tournament 2024, held at the SLTA courts in Greenpath, Colombo. Lanka Minerals and Chemicals secured the second place, while Acuity Knowledge Partners were placed third. The tournament culminated with the Men’s Doubles final, a contest between four players from the champion [...]
AIS’s Jevahn fully focused on becoming a pro golfer
Sixteen-year-old Jevahn Sathasivam from Asian International School has become Sri Lanka’s second youngest golfer to clinch the honoured title at the CEAT-sponsored 133rd Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Open Championship. This tournament, recognised as the longest-running amateur golf championship outside the United Kingdom, concluded recently at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Jevahn’s victory marks a crucial [...]
Triple football championships for Gateway
Gateway College, Colombo once again demonstrated their dominance in the recently concluded Under-20 Inter-International Schools Football Tournament, held at Gateway College ground in Ratmalana. From the outset, Gateway showcased exceptional control, with their formidable midfield trio—Zaki Ashraff, Ahamed Hijaazy, and Aidan Perera—dictating possession. Their creative attacking play and relentless pursuit of goals resulted in an impressive 24 goals [...]
Wakeel and Anjali claim Air Force squash Open titles
Shamil Wakeel delivered an exceptional performance to claim victory in the Men’s Open category of the 16th Air Force Open PSA Squash Championships 2024, defeating Methmal Wood in a competitive final held in Ratmalana. Demonstrating remarkable skill and dominance, Wakeel secured the championship title with a decisive 3-0 victory in rounds. In the Women’s Open [...]
Prima Youth League U-15 matches postponed due to rain
The Prima Under-15 Youth League 2024, known for showing the talent of young cricket enthusiasts across the nation, faced an unexpected halt as heavy rain disrupted the ongoing matches. Scheduled remaining fixtures were postponed to December 2, 4, 5 and 6. The last two league matches will now take place on December 2, while the semi-final encounters [...]