Sports

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando has passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and commentators who remembered him as both a talented sportsman and a remarkable individual.

International cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe confirmed the news, describing Fernando as a gifted cricketer and a warm, cheerful personality. In a tribute, Abeysinghe said Fernando’s life and career were tragically cut short, adding that he would be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Fernando represented Sri Lanka at the 2010 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and was considered one of the most promising young cricketers at the time. His career was halted after a serious accident at an unprotected railway crossing near Mount Lavinia beach on December 28, 2018, while he was returning from a team training session. He remained in critical condition for several years following the incident.

He was part of a highly regarded Sri Lanka Under-19 squad that included players such as Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Kithruwan Vithanage, several of whom later progressed to the senior national team.

One of Fernando’s most memorable performances came in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final against Australia in Lincoln on January 27, 2010, where he top-scored for Sri Lanka with 52 runs.

An alumnus of St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Fernando enjoyed a distinguished school cricket career, captaining the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams, and serving as vice-captain of the Under-19 side.

At club level, he represented Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club. In one of his final competitive matches, just weeks before the accident, he scored an unbeaten century against Moors Sports Club on December 14, 2018.

Fernando’s death closes a long and difficult chapter that followed the tragic incident and has renewed reflection on a career many believed would have reached the highest level of international cricket. Tributes continue to arrive, celebrating not only his cricketing ability, but also his character, kindness, and enduring spirit.

England’s senior batter Joe Root has spoken highly of Sri Lanka’s emerging talent Pavan Ratnayake after the youngster produced a memorable century in the third One Day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Ratnayake scored a superb 121 under intense pressure as Sri Lanka chased a daunting target of 357 for 3 set by England. The visitors’ total was built on an unbeaten 111 from Root and a blistering 136 by Harry Brook. Although Ratnayake fought valiantly, Sri Lanka were unable to cross the line, with England sealing a 2–1 series victory and ending Sri Lanka’s unbeaten home ODI series run that had lasted since 2022.

Reflecting on Ratnayake’s performance, Root said the young batter showed impressive maturity and skill, particularly against spin bowling. He praised Ratnayake’s ability to rotate the strike, avoid prolonged dot-ball pressure, and still find regular boundaries, describing the innings as “really quite special.”

Root added that Ratnayake appeared destined for a strong international career, noting that Sri Lanka may have pushed the game even closer had one or two more batters been able to support him at the crease.

The praise came at the end of a dominant series for Root himself, who registered scores of 61, 75 and an unbeaten 111 across the three matches, reinforcing his key role as England continue their push toward ODI World Cup qualification.

Despite the series loss, Ratnayake’s century provided Sri Lanka with a clear sign of promise, earning recognition from one of the world’s most accomplished batters and offering hope for the country’s next generation of cricketers.

India made light work of Sri Lanka’s target in the second women’s T20I, producing a commanding seven-wicket win at the ACA–VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam to move 2–0 ahead in the five-match series.

Chasing 129, the Indian batters turned the contest into a one-sided affair, with Shafali Verma delivering a dazzling unbeaten 69 from just 34 deliveries. Her fluent stroke play ensured the target was overhauled with a remarkable 49 balls remaining, underlining India’s dominance on the night.

While the margin of victory was emphatic, the match also offered a moment of personal redemption for Sree Charani. After a difficult outing in the series opener, she returned sharper in the field, taking two crucial catches that halted Sri Lanka’s attempts to build momentum in the middle overs. One of those dismissals also helped Vaishnavi Sharma register her first international wicket, after a missed chance had denied her in the previous match.

Sri Lanka showed greater intent with the bat compared to the opening T20I, adopting a more positive approach early on. However, a dramatic collapse at the death proved costly, as they lost five wickets for just 19 runs to finish on 128 for nine.

The innings began on a shaky note when Kranti Gaud struck in the opening over, removing Vishmi Gunaratne. That setback once again placed responsibility on captain Chamari Athapaththu, who attempted to revive the innings with an aggressive counterattack. After surviving an early chance, she showcased her power with a towering six off Arundhati Reddy, but her stay was cut short when she failed to clear long-off, where Amanjot Kaur completed a straightforward catch amid loud cheers from the home crowd.

Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama then looked to keep the scoreboard ticking, with Harshitha finding the boundary repeatedly against the inexperienced Vaishnavi Sharma. India responded by reintroducing Kranti Gaud, whose tight spell choked the run flow, allowing only one boundary across nearly five overs.

The mounting pressure soon told. Charani removed Hasini with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort, while Harshitha was run out after falling just short of her crease, bringing Sri Lanka’s resistance to an abrupt end.

In reply, India briefly lost Smriti Mandhana early, but the setback had little impact. Shafali led the charge with authority, and the depth of the Indian batting lineup ensured Sri Lanka’s bowlers, including the experienced Inoka Ranaweera and Athapaththu, found no respite. A rapid burst of boundaries saw 48 runs plundered in just three overs, effectively sealing the contest.

As the match ended swiftly, Shafali was warmly congratulated by Athapaththu, and the home crowd enjoyed a clinical performance that capped off a chilly evening on India’s east coast with a resounding victory.

Sri Lanka Police have announced a special traffic management arrangement in connection with the England Cricket Team’s tour of Sri Lanka, with matches scheduled to be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on 22, 24 and 27 January 2026.

To ease traffic congestion in areas surrounding the stadium on match days, motorists and the general public are advised to use alternative routes from 12.00 noon until the matches conclude. Police emphasized that the affected roads will remain open for regular vehicular movement and will not be closed or subject to traffic restrictions.

The roads expected to experience increased congestion include Pradeepa Mawatha, Saddharma Mawatha, Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha, Temple Road (Khettarama Mawatha), Adi 100 Para, Bodhiraja Mawatha, Vincent Perera Mawatha and Brito Babapulle Road.

Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled its 25-member provisional squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming Dasun Shanaka as the team’s captain for the global tournament.

The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, reflecting the selectors’ focus on depth and balance as preparations gather pace ahead of the competition. The final lineup will be announced nearer to the start of the World Cup.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Sri Lanka’s 25-member preliminary squad:

1. Dasun Shanaka (Captain)

2. Pathum Nissanka

3. Kusal Mendis

4. Kamil Mishara

5. Kusal Perera

6. Dhananjaya de Silva

7. Niroshan Dickwella

8. Janith Liyanage

9. Charith Asalanka

10. Kamindu Mendis

11. Pavan Rathnayake

12. Sahan Arachchige

13. Wanindu Hasaranga

14. Dunith Wellalage

15. Milan Rathnayake

16. Nuwan Thushara

17. Eshan Malinga

18. Dushmantha Chameera

19. Pramod Madushan

20. Matheesha Pathirana

21. Dilshan Madushanka

22. Maheesh Theekshana

23. Dushan Hemantha

24. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

25. Traveen Mathew

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to make a final determination on Bangladesh’s involvement in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by January 21, following ongoing talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), ESPNcricinfo reported.

The ICC has notified the BCB that a clear decision is required on whether the national team will travel to India, the host nation for the tournament. The matter remains unresolved, with discussions continuing between the two parties.

Should Bangladesh opt out of the event, the ICC is likely to confirm a replacement team. Based on the current ICC rankings, Scotland are understood to be the leading contender to take Bangladesh’s place if required.

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Chief Selector, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, has confirmed that Dasun Shanaka will remain at the helm of the national T20 team for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

Speaking on Thursday, Wickramasinghe said Shanaka will also captain the side in upcoming bilateral series against Pakistan and England, which form part of Sri Lanka’s build-up to the global tournament.He added that selectors have already named a 25-member provisional squad for the T20 World Cup, while noting that the final selection will be made nearer to the start of the competition.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Karma Fight League (Pvt) Ltd, South Asia’s largest K-1 kickboxing fight promotion, has secured strategic investment as it continues to strengthen its position within the region’s growing combat sports industry.The investment is led by venture capitalist Raveen Wickramasinghe, who has been appointed Chairman. Raveen brings nearly 15 years of senior leadership experience as CEO of Ruhunu Hospital and President of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH). A serial entrepreneur and board-level strategist, he has a proven track record in scaling businesses and driving long-term value creation.

“The three co-founders Ilham Hossen, Kaushika Withanage, and Dayan Samarasekara have done an exceptional job building a strong platform with professionally produced events, international-level competition, and consistent audience growth. My focus now is on strengthening governance, raising strategic capital, scaling operations, and unlocking the full potential of KFL in sports entertainment and regional sports tourism, creating meaningful opportunities for investors and stakeholders alike,” said Raveen Wickramasinghe.

Among the new investors are Sentered Media (Pvt) Ltd, led by entrepreneur Sharon Waduge, a tech founder exploring investments in emerging, high- growth ventures such as Karma Fight League, and Addiscombe Capital Partners (Pvt) Ltd.

The investment brings together the league’s founding team and a group of strategic investors with backgrounds in business, finance, and technology, strengthening both leadership and execution as the organisation grows.

Combat sports have seen steady growth across Asia in recent years, driven by rising viewership, sponsorship interest, and stronger regional fan engagement. Within this context, Karma Fight League has emerged as the leading K-1 platform in South Asia.

Industry observers note that this combination of founder-led execution and structured private investment sets Karma Fight League apart from many fight promotions in the region.

Raveen Wickramasinghe

Lionel Messi is set to visit India for a three day event called the GOAT Tour. The Argentine legend will be in the country on December 13, 14 and 15, travelling across four major cities. Earlier this week, Messi won the 48th trophy of his career and his India tour will include meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading celebrities and several chief ministers.

Event promoter Satadru Dutta has confirmed that legendary striker Luis Suarez, Messi’s long time Barcelona teammate, will join the tour along with FIFA World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.

Tickets for the GOAT Tour, especially for events where Messi will make public appearances, are available through the District app. Fans in Sri Lanka and around the region can book tickets directly at the official link: https://www.district.in/events/messi-2025-india-tour-ticket-booking

Ticket prices begin at around Rs 4500 in most cities, while the Mumbai events start at Rs 8250.

Messi will travel from Miami and stop briefly in Dubai to manage jet lag before arriving in Kolkata at around 1.30 am. His schedule in Kolkata is extremely tight, beginning with meetings from 9.30 am. After attending several events, including a celebrity friendly match, he will depart for Hyderabad at 2 pm following interactions with Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In Hyderabad, Messi will play in a 7v7 football match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will also take part. The evening will include a musical performance held in Messi’s honour.

After Hyderabad, Messi will travel to Mumbai. He is expected to appear in a charity fashion show and will auction select items from the 2022 World Cup to raise funds. Luis Suarez will also take part in a Spanish music show during the Mumbai segment.

The GOAT Tour will end in New Delhi, where Messi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Sri Lankan fans who want to follow Messi’s full India itinerary can refer to the complete schedule below.

Lionel Messi GOAT Tour: Complete Schedule

December 13, Kolkata

1.30 am Arrival in Kolkata

9.30 am to 10.30 am Meet and greet programme

10.30 am to 11.15 am Virtual inauguration of Messi’s statue

11.15 am to 11.25 am Arrival at Yuva Bharati

11.30 am Shah Rukh Khan arrives at Yuva Bharati

12.00 pm Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly arrive at the stadium

12.00 pm to 12.30 pm Friendly match, felicitation and interaction

2.00 pm Departure for Hyderabad

December 13, Hyderabad

7.00 pm 7v7 match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium featuring Messi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy

The evening will also feature a musical concert celebrating Messi

December 14, Mumbai

3.30 pm Participation in the Padel Cup at the Cricket Club of India

4.00 pm Celebrity football match

5.00 pm Event at Wankhede Stadium followed by a charity fashion show

December 15, New Delhi

Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

1.30 pm Event at Arun Jaitley Stadium including the felicitation of Minerva Academy players

Messi’s upcoming trip marks his second visit to India. His first appearance was in 2011 when Argentina played a friendly against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium. Messi delivered an outstanding performance and assisted the winning goal in Argentina’s 1 to 0 victory.

(Source - Dailymirror)

Sri Lanka is preparing for an intensive year of cricket in 2026, with the national team scheduled to compete in a wide range of international assignments and global tournaments, according to the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The calendar includes matches in all three formats, alongside participation in major franchise leagues, though some dates and tours are yet to be finalized.

The year will begin with a home T20 International series against Pakistan in January, followed by England’s tour of Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three One-Day Internationals spanning January and February. Sri Lanka will then take part in the ICC T20 World Cup during February and March.

In March, the team is set to tour Afghanistan for a limited-overs series, before attention shifts to franchise cricket with the Indian Premier League running from March to May. Mid-year international commitments include an away tour of the West Indies in June and July, featuring Test matches as well as white-ball fixtures.

Domestic action will resume with the Lanka Premier League during July and August, after which Sri Lanka will host India for a two-Test series in August. The latter part of the year includes overseas white-ball tours to England and Pakistan, a tri-nation ODI series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England, and a two-Test series in Pakistan in November.

The year is expected to conclude with a limited-overs tour of India in December and January, carrying into the 2026–27 season. Sri Lanka Cricket officials have noted that while the FTP provides a framework, match dates and venues remain provisional and may be revised closer to each series.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is destroying his legacy, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Salah said on Saturday he felt like he had been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down.

Rooney believes that Slot must now show his authority and not involve Egypt international Salah in Tuesday's Champions League game at Inter Milan or next Saturday's home match with Brighton.

"Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say 'you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable'," said Rooney in his latest podcast episode.

"Take yourself off to Afcon and let everything calm down. If I was him there would be no way he would be in the team."

Rooney said Salah needed to either iron out his differences with Slot, or leave Liverpool.

"It needs to be sorted out quickly either way," he added.

Salah, 33, has scored 250 goals in 420 Liverpool appearances but has failed to start the past three matches and was an unused substitute in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Leeds United.

After the game, Salah told reporters at Elland Road: "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship.

"It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."

Salah, whose 29 Premier League goals helped propel Liverpool to the Premier League last season, signed a new two-year contract in April.

Rooney questioned why Salah, who signed for Liverpool from Roma in 2017, would come out publicly with his comments.

"He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool," added the five-time Premier League winner.

"It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong."