Sports

The 2025 Ambassador’s Cup Badminton Tournament was held for the third consecutive time on October 31 and November 1–2 at the University of Colombo Indoor Sports Complex.

The overall championship of the tournament was won by the University of Colombo, while the University of Peradeniya emerged as runners-up.

In the Over-40 Women’s category, Vasantha Ratnayake from the University of Colombo was named the Best Player, while she was also recognized as the Best Player in the Staff Open Mixed Teams event. In the Over-50 Men’s category, Prof. Subash Jayasinghe from the University of Ruhuna was awarded Best Player, and in the Staff Open Men’s Team event, the Best Player award went to Prof. Tharaka Dissanayake from the University of Peradeniya.

In the University Students’ Team event, Chirath Illaperumaarachchi of the University of Colombo was recognized as the Best Male Player, and Midum Keerthisiri, also from the University of Colombo, was named the Best Female Player.

Universities from China and India had been invited to participate in the tournament, in addition to staff members and students from both state and private universities in Sri Lanka.

At the closing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), Mr. Zhang Jianhui, and the Dean of the Faculty of Management at the University of Colombo, Prof. Nihal Hennayake, attended as guests of honour.

The tournament was organized by the Department of Physical Education of the University of Colombo, with financial sponsorship provided by Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT).

In a tragic turn of events on Saturday morning, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the ongoing cross-border clash with Pakistan has claimed the lives of three aspiring Afghan cricketers. The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were domestic-level cricketers from Afghanistan who were killed during Pakistan’s air strike on Paktika Province on Friday.

The ACB took to the social media platform X to convey the tragic news while also confirming that it has pulled out of the tri-nation series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for next month following the attack. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan also took to X and welcomed the ACB’s decision to pull out of the tri-series while condemning Pakistan’s attack on civilians.

But who exactly were Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — the three cricketers whose lives were cut short by Pakistan’s air strike? Take a look.

Kabeer (Kabir Agha)

Kabeer, also known locally as Kabir Agha, was an emerging talent from Paktika’s Urgun district. He represented regional clubs in the domestic structure and recently featured in youth tournaments organised by the ACB’s southern cricket committee. Known for his aggressive top-order batting, Kabeer was expected to be shortlisted for the Afghanistan U-23 provincial camp in 2026 due to consistent performances in district leagues.

Sibghatullah

Sibghatullah was a medium-fast bowler from Paktika who played for the Urgun Warriors, a club participating in local ACB-certified tournaments. He was known for sharp inswing and was a captaincy contender in last year’s Paktika Premier League. Coaches described him as a disciplined cricketer with strong leadership traits and a passion for mentoring junior bowlers in the region’s cricket academies.

Haroon

Haroon was a promising all-rounder who had made a name for himself in Paktika’s domestic cricket scene through participation in local T20 and tape-ball leagues. A right-handed batter and off-spinner, Haroon had recently joined a provincial development camp and was regarded as one of Urgun district’s most versatile young players. He was also studying at a local college while pursuing cricket full-time.

ACB mourns loss of young cricketers

The ACB, through a media release, mourned the loss of its three aspiring cricketers. The board confirmed that young Afghan cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon from Urgun district in Paktika province were among eight people killed in what it called a “cowardly attack” by Pakistan. The players had returned home after a friendly match in Sharana when they were targeted during a gathering. Seven others were injured in the incident.

Calling it a devastating loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, the ACB extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Paktika. As a mark of respect, the board announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and prayed for the martyrs and the recovery of the injured. Rashid Khan calls the attack barbaric Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed deep grief over the recent Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including women, children, and young cricketers aspiring to represent their country. Condemning the attack as “immoral and barbaric”, Rashid said targeting civilian areas was a grave violation of human rights that must not be ignored.

He voiced strong support for the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan, calling it a justified response to the tragedy. Rashid emphasised that Afghanistan’s national dignity and solidarity with its people should take precedence above all else during such a painful time. Tension escalates between Afghanistan and Pakistan Afghan media reports indicate that Pakistan carried out multiple air strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday, allegedly violating a recently agreed 48-hour ceasefire between the two countries. According to Tolo News, the attacks struck residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in heavy civilian casualties.

The strikes occurred just as both nations had agreed to extend the fragile truce until the conclusion of peace talks underway in Doha, aimed at de-escalating border tensions following several days of clashes. Negotiations between Afghan and Pakistani representatives are expected to begin on Saturday, as Kabul accuses Islamabad of undermining efforts to restore calm along the volatile frontier.

(Source - Business Standard)

Indian women who know exactly when to raise their hands in decisive moments have claimed the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time in history.

In the final match held in Navi Mumbai, India, the Indian women’s team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to become world champions for the first time ever.

Batting first in the Sunday (2nd) final, India scored 298 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. South Africa, in reply, were bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs.

When it comes to the value of a player in a cricket match, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma embodied it perfectly — sharing 7 wickets between them to destroy South Africa’s innings. The pair also added a crucial 145 runs to India’s total.

Opening batter Shafali Verma scored 87 runs with the bat and then, within just 11 balls of taking up bowling, sent back top-order batters Suné Luus (25) and Marizanne Kapp (4), dismantling South Africa’s chase. Before her bowling spell, the scoreboard read 114/2, but within two overs it had collapsed to 123/4.

From that point, Deepti Sharma took charge, claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs. Having also performed outstandingly in the semi-final, Deepti once again proved vital for India’s success.

For South Africa, chasing a target of 299, captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a brilliant century (101), but once she was dismissed with the total at 220, the team’s innings quickly ended.

During India’s innings, Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (58) both struck half-centuries. Apart from Radha Yadav (3* not out), all other Indian batters managed only single-digit scores. However, for South Africa, apart from Wolvaardt’s century, only Annerie Dercksen (35) crossed 30. Four South African batters fell for single-digit scores, and partnerships only lasted while Wolvaardt remained at the crease.

That was the key difference between the two sides. The Indian players, disciplined yet aggressive, dominated the day — and that’s why they became world champions. In every sense, their batting performance was a display of “disciplined aggression.”

Although the match was delayed by two hours due to rain, umpires — including Sri Lankan match referee Mitchell Pereira — decided to begin play at 5 p.m. without reducing the number of overs.

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and chose to bowl first. However, India’s powerful batting completely disrupted her plans.

Openers Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (87) built a 104-run partnership in 17.4 overs (106 balls). After Mandhana’s dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues, who had starred in the semifinal against England, contributed 24 runs off 37 balls.

Batting at number three, Rodrigues’ presence gave Verma the freedom to play aggressively. Verma made 87 runs off 78 balls, including 2 sixes and 7 fours — her best ODI innings to date. When their partnership broke at 166 in the 28th over, India was already in a strong position.

From then on, the Indian batters intensified the attack. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20), Deepti Sharma (58), and Richa Ghosh (34) all played crucial cameos, collectively adding 112 runs off just 111 balls.

Though Harmanpreet was dismissed after a superb catch by Wolvaardt, Richa Ghosh marked her arrival with a six and went on to score 34 runs, including 2 sixes and 3 fours.

Despite losing four wickets in the later stages, India’s total remained formidable — enough to secure a historic win.

Score Summary:

India Women: 298/7 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 45, Shafali Verma 87, Jemimah Rodrigues 24, Harmanpreet Kaur 20, Amanjot Kaur 12, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58)

South Africa Women: 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Tazmin Brits 23, Suné Luus 25, Sinalo Jafta 16, Annerie Dercksen 35, Nadine de Klerk 18; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)

The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is facing renewed scrutiny and internal unrest following a stormy Special General Meeting (SGM) held on Tuesday at the Navy Lighthouse Galley where delegates debated unresolved financial matters, questioned the legality of recent appointments and ultimately decided to withdraw from the International Boxing Association (IBA) and join World Boxing (WB).

The move could reshape the future of the sport in Sri Lanka according to boxing promoters.

The meeting was effectively a continuation of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 9, which had to be adjourned after the audited annual accounts were not presented. Despite being granted two additional months, the BASL still failed to produce the required financial statements, a lapse that has angered several senior members and stakeholders of the sport.

Former BASL Vice President Wasantha Withanage, a veteran boxing coach who represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics and served on the executive committee for two decades, was among the most outspoken critics at the meeting.

“Having an AGM without audited accounts is a serious administrative blunder,” Withanage charged. “The president, secretary and treasurer must be held responsible under the Sports Law for this gross mismanagement.”

Withanage accused the current BASL administration of poor governance, lack of transparency, and questionable decision-making. He alleged that an international boxing course was organised with no accounts being tabled, no reimbursement of funds collected from participants for visas for a foreign tour that never took place, and that an international tournament held in Colombo with much fanfare has no record of how the funds were received or spent.

Adding to the controversy, Withanage revealed that an international standard boxing ring donated by IBA is still lying idle at the port, incurring over Rs. 2 million in demurrage fees.

“This is symbolic of how things are being mishandled,” he said. “The ring is rotting in the port while the sport itself is sinking due to negligence and mismanagement.”

Withanage further alleged that some affiliated clubs were wrongfully barred from attending the SGM, undermining the democratic nature of the meeting.

He also questioned the legality of the newly appointed Secretary, saying no nominations were called prior to the appointment.

“The constitution is being ignored. Decisions are being made by a few individuals without due process,” he added.

Despite the turbulence, the SGM made one decisive move — to formally sever ties with IBA and join World Boxing, aligning itself with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the policy of the Ministry of Sports to distance national federations from the suspended IBA.

Dian Gomes, a former BASL president and IBA Director said: “The main decision we took yesterday was that Sri Lanka Boxing will leave the IBA and join World Boxing,” Dian said. “Under the new Constitution, we will compete only in the amateur domain — no professional or WSB involvement.”

However, Gomes cautioned that the move came with its own risks.

“We will not receive any funding from IBA anymore. Dual membership is not permitted, so this is a complete break,” he noted. “It’s an honourable exit, but one that comes with challenges.”

BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, who also serves as Honorary Consul General for Guinea, has been criticised for his absentee leadership. Coaches and officials allege that he governs “by remote control” from overseas, relying heavily on a small circle of trusted associates.

A senior official who attended the SGM remarked, “Boxing is collapsing because there’s no accountability. Decisions are made without consultation, and the president is hardly in the country. The sport is being run like a private company, not a national body.”

Many within the boxing community are now calling on Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage to step in, either by appointing an interim committee or a working task force to restore administrative order and ensure financial accountability.

“It’s time for the Minister to act,” he said. “We can’t let boxing — one of Sri Lanka’s most decorated Olympic sports — be destroyed by internal politics.”

For now, Bandara and his executive committee have been given another two-month extension to present the long-delayed audited accounts and formally conclude the AGM, as required under the Sports Law.

The BASL constitution has also been amended to align with World Boxing, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the legitimate body for Olympic boxing.

But until the federation resolves its internal disputes and financial ambiguities, Sri Lanka’s boxers remain in limbo — uncertain of which direction the sport will take and whether the long tradition of boxing excellence can be revived under stable leadership.

(Source - dailymirror.lk)

The Indian team has qualified for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final for the third time.

They secured their place by defeating defending champions Australia by 5 wickets in the second semi-final match.

The match was held in Navi Mumbai, India.

After winning the toss, the Australian team chose to bat first.

Accordingly, Australia, batting first, were all out for a total of 338 runs.

Chasing a target of 339 runs, the Indian team successfully reached the target in 48.3 overs with 5 wickets remaining.

The final match of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, featuring India and South Africa, is scheduled to be played this Sunday in Navi Mumbai.

Jayananda Warnaveera, the former Test cricketer who proudly represented Sri Lanka on the international stage, has passed away at the age of 64.

Warnaveera earned his place in cricket history in 1986 when he claimed his first international Test cap against Pakistan. Over a distinguished career spanning more than eight years, he showcased his talent in both Test and One-Day International formats for the national team.

Known for his exceptional skills as a bowler, Warnavira retired from the sport in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of 32 Test wickets and six ODI wickets, marking him as a respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket circles.

A 17-year-old Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, has tragically died after being struck in the neck by a cricket ball during a training session in Melbourne.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Ferntree Gully cricket nets, where Ben was practicing with teammates. He was wearing a helmet but did not have a neck guard at the time. The ball was delivered using a hand-held throwing device known as a “wanger” when it struck him on the neck.

Emergency services arrived at the scene around 5:00 p.m. local time (06:00 GMT), and Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Despite being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Ben’s father, Jace Austin, described the family as “utterly devastated” by the loss of “our beautiful Ben.” He said his son was a beloved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a “shining light” to all who knew him.

“This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we take comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved – spending time at the nets with friends, playing cricket,” Mr. Austin said.

He also expressed compassion for Ben’s teammate who was bowling when the accident happened, saying the family’s thoughts were with the other boy and his family.

Mr. Austin thanked the cricket community, emergency responders, and medical staff for their support and care in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins called the incident an “extremely difficult time” for everyone involved, noting the similarity to the fatal accident that claimed the life of Phillip Hughes in 2014. Hughes died after being struck in the neck while batting during a Sheffield Shield match, an event that led to improved safety standards in cricket gear.

“The entire cricket community, both in Victoria and across Australia, is mourning this heartbreaking loss,” Mr. Cummins said. “Ben was a talented cricketer, a respected captain, and a much-loved teammate known throughout Melbourne’s south-east under-18 circuit.”

Ben represented the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, which paid tribute to him in a heartfelt social media post, describing him as a young man who “brought joy to everyone around him.”

The Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, where Ben played more than 100 games, also honored his memory, calling him “kind,” “respectful,” and “a fantastic footballer.”

“Our club and community have lost a truly exceptional young person who was becoming a fine young adult. His absence will be felt deeply for many years to come,” the club said.

Ben’s death has sent shockwaves through both the cricket and football communities, leaving teammates, friends, and family mourning the loss of a promising young life cut tragically short.

Sri Lankan Football President Jaswar Umar has been appointed to the AFC Development Committee, marking another major international recognition for Sri Lanka’s football leadership.

This appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka is making remarkable progress in the Asian football landscape. Earlier this week, the world governing body FIFA appointed Jaswar Umar to the FIFA Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee, further underscoring his growing influence in regional and global football administration.

These successive appointments stand as a testimony to the growth and credibility of Sri Lankan Football under his leadership.

The AFC Development Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing development programs and funding across 47 member nations in Asia, shaping the future of football development in the region.

Jaswar Umar is currently attending the AFC Development Committee meeting being held today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Football Federation of Sri Lanka

October 2025

India's right-hander Rohit Sharma has etched his name into the record books by becoming the world's No. 1 ranked ODI batter for the first time in his illustrious career. The former India captain reached the summit of the latest ICC Men's ODI Batter Rankings on Wednesday (29 October), becoming the oldest cricketer to achieve the feat at 38 years and 182 days.

Rohit climbed two places to displace current India skipper Shubman Gill, rising to the top on the back of his unbeaten century in the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney, where he led India to a dominant nine-wicket victory. The Mumbai-born opener was in sublime touch alongside Virat Kohli (74*), striking 13 fours and three towering sixes on his way to his 33rd ODI hundred.

Rohit's return to the top comes on the back of a superb run of form in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, where he amassed 202 runs in three matches at an astonishing average of 101. His unbeaten century in the series decider at the Sydney Cricket Ground not only sealed India's series victory but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most reliable and destructive openers in world cricket. The veteran was deservedly named Player of the Series.

Rohit’s stellar run saw him surpass Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and teammate Gill to claim the top spot for the very first time, having consistently featured among the top 10 for most of the past decade.

The former skipper was not the only Indian to make progress in the latest rankings. Axar Patel gained in both the bowling and all-rounder categories following his strong performance in Sydney — climbing six places to 31st among ODI bowlers and four spots to eighth among all-rounders.

Elsewhere, there were notable movements in the rankings. New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner rose three rungs to fourth among ODI bowlers, while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood gained two places to move to eighth. England batter Harry Brook also made an impressive jump, climbing 23 places to 25th in the ODI batting charts.

In the Test rankings, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj was the biggest mover following his Player of the Match display in the side’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Maharaj jumped nine places to a career-best 13th after claiming nine wickets in the match, while teammate Simon Harmer climbed 26 spots to 45th. Among batters, Aiden Markram moved up two positions to 15th, and Tony de Zorzi gained seven to reach a career-high 47th.

Kagiso Rabada also improved eight rungs to 11th among Test all-rounders, while Pakistan captain Shan Masood climbed five places to equal 42nd among batters.

There was further movement in the T20I rankings, with South Africa pacer Corbin Bosch leaping 40 places to 53rd among bowlers. Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz rose eight spots to sixth among all-rounders, while opener Saim Ayub gained five to reach 49th in the batting list.

Back in ODIs, Rohit now leads with 781 rating points, followed by Zadran (764) and Gill (745). Virat Kohli, who contributed a match-winning 74* in Sydney after a rare failure in the second ODI, sits sixth with 725 points. Shreyas Iyer, despite not batting in the final game, moved up one place to ninth thanks to his earlier fifty in Adelaide.

Rohit had 745 points last week but gained significant ground after scoring 73 (97) in Adelaide and an unbeaten 121 (125) in Sydney. Those commanding knocks propelled him to 781 points — a career-high.

Having led India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit now joins an elite list of Indian cricketers — Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill — to have held the No. 1 ODI batting ranking.

Gill, who had occupied the top position since late last year, endured a lean patch against Australia with scores of 10, 9 and 24. Kohli slipped one spot despite his fluent knock in the final match, while Iyer’s consistency saw him cement his place among the world’s top 10.

(Source - indiatoday)

World governing body FIFA has appointed Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar to its Committee for Grassroots and Amateur Football.

This prestigious appointment comes at a time when Sri Lankan Football is experiencing rapid growth under the visionary leadership of President Jaswar Umar over the past 18 months. His strategic and bold approach has transformed the landscape of Sri Lankan football, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, governance, and performance.

President Umar’s relentless focus on professionalizing the national team and elite football structure has positioned Sri Lanka as a rising force in the South Asian region. His modern management style and forward-thinking policies have brought renewed energy and credibility to the game, earning international recognition.

Sri Lanka’s national team has shown significant improvement and remains the only South Asian nation still in contention for Asian Cup qualification, a testament to the progress achieved through structured reforms and professional planning.

With his new role in FIFA, Jaswar Umar will now contribute his experience and expertise to uplift grassroots and amateur football on a global scale. His appointment reflects both his growing influence in world football and FIFA’s confidence in his ability to inspire meaningful development within the sport worldwide.

“Football must be built from its roots. Empowering grassroots and amateur levels ensures sustainable success for future generations,” Jaswar Umar stated following his appointment.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Sri Lanka, as its football leadership continues to gain recognition and respect on the international stage.

— Football Federation of Sri Lanka Colombo | October 2025

At the 2025 Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain, Lahiru Achintha won the gold medal in the men’s 1500m event held yesterday (23).

He completed the race in 3 minutes and 57.42 seconds.

The silver medal was won by a Chinese athlete who finished in 3 minutes and 58.73 seconds, while the bronze went to an athlete from Hong Kong, who clocked 4 minutes and 05.09 seconds.

This gold medal by Lahiru marks the first time in history that a Sri Lankan has ever won a gold medal at the Asian Youth Games.

Meanwhile, in the women’s 1500m event held yesterday, Nethmi Gimhani secured the bronze medal, completing the race in 4 minutes and 52.32 seconds.

With this medal, Sri Lanka’s total medal count at the tournament has now risen to two.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka is currently ranked 10th on the medal table.

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in the world to achieve billionaire status, marking another milestone in his legendary career.

According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s net worth is now estimated at USD 1.4 billion, cementing his place among the global financial elite.

The 40-year-old’s financial empire reportedly reached billionaire levels earlier this year, driven largely by his record-breaking deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, valued at over USD 400 million.

Bloomberg further reports that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo has earned more than USD 550 million from salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.

Since his high-profile move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has held the title of the highest-paid footballer in history, earning an annual salary of £177 million, excluding bonuses and brand endorsements.

In true Ronaldo fashion, he continues to redefine what it means to be both a sports icon and a global business powerhouse.