Sri Lanka Women’s Team Captain, Chamari Athapaththu, will flag off the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 during a vibrant opening ceremony scheduled for today (July 01) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Former Australian World Cup-winning Captain Michael Clarke, who is the Brand Ambassador of the LPL, will also participate in the opening ceremony, along with players from all five franchise teams, including their captains.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Captain of the reigning champions Kandy Falcons, will hand over the trophy to the Brand Ambassador.

Among the dignitaries present at the event will be President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Shammi Silva, Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, and other SLC Office Bearers.

One of the highlights of the event will be the launch of the Official LPL Anthem. The evening will also feature entertainment acts by artists such as Yohani, DJ Mass, Apzi, and Romain Willis.

The opening ceremony of the Lanka Premier League 2024 will start at 6:15 PM, with the first ball of the tournament to be bowled at 7:30 PM. The opening match will be between the reigning champions, Kandy Falcons, and the Dambulla Sixers.

(SLC)

India ended a 13-year wait for a world title by securing a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. 

Chasing 177, South Africa needed 26 from 24 balls, but Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal for 52 turned the tide in India’s favor. 

Arshdeep Singh’s tight penultimate over left Hardik Pandya to defend 16 in the last, culminating in a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller and secure India’s win.

Virat Kohli’s crucial 76 off 59 balls led India to a competitive 176-7, earning him the Player of the Match title. 

This triumph marks India’s second T20 World Cup win, their first since the inaugural tournament in 2007, and their first world title since the 2011 50-over World Cup.

Kohli and Rohit retire 

In an emotional post-match announcement, India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirement from T20 internationals.

Kohli, who played a pivotal role in the final, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve.” Kohli retires with 4,188 runs, including one hundred and 38 fifties, in 117 innings.

Rohit Sharma, who also announced his retirement, leaves as the highest scorer in T20 internationals with 4,231 runs and five centuries. 

“There is no better time to say goodbye to this format,” said Rohit, who captained India to their 2024 T20 World Cup win and played in the 2007 victory.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly considering appointing Australian Chris Rogers as the new head coach of the national cricket team.

Rogers, 46, currently coaches the Victoria state team and is a former opening batsman for Australia. 

SLC has initiated discussions with Rogers and two other foreign candidates, with Rogers being the youngest among them.

SLC aims to finalize the new head coach appointment before the upcoming tournament in India.

In addition, SLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current foreign bowling coach’s performance, indicating potential further changes in the coaching staff.