Sports

SLC denies NOCs to Shanaka & Hasaranga

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka’s limited over skipper Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga have been denied No Objection Certificates (NOC) to play in the inaugural edition of the United States T20 League. Ashley de Silva, SLC’s Chief Executive, told the Sunday Times that the board turned down their request following the decision to allow only two foreign league appearances for Sri Lankan players.

The inaugural edition of the Major League T20 tournament will be played between July 13 and 30 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Shanaka was picked by Seattle Orcas while Washington Freedom signed up star spinner Hasaranga for this maiden tournament.

“We (SLC) have decided to allow only four leagues per year including our two leagues–Lanka Premier League and the proposed T10 League. So we have turned down their requests,” said de Silva.

Shanaka, who represented Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, also represented Peshawar Zalmi during the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also represented Dubai Capitals at the International League T20 (ILT20), making it three foreign leagues for the year.

Wanindu on the other hand, had already done two leagues, having represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and Desert Vipers at the ILT20. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has gone out of national radar, has played in four foreign leagues this year, having featured in the IPL, PSL, BPL and ILT20.

“True there are some players who have played more than two leagues this year but in future, they will only be allowed two foreign leagues,” said SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva.

Hasaranga was to play for Quetta Gladiators at this year’s PSL but pulled out as Sri Lanka looked to manage his workload. He also missed out on last year’s the Hundred tournament when SLC denied him the NOC to sign up a £100,000 deal with Manchester Originals.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

Kaveesha qualifies for semi-finals in Nanjing

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2025

editor

Sri Lankan athlete Nadun Kaveesha has qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 60-meter hurdles at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Nanjing.

Competing in Heat 4 today (22), Kaveesha finished fifth with a time of 7.87 seconds, securing his place among the top 24 athletes advancing to the next round.

The semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 5:20 PM Sri Lanka time today.

Kaveesha’s performance marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka in international athletics, as he continues to represent the country on the global stage.

Fans are eagerly awaiting his next race, hoping for a strong showing in the semi-finals.

News

Chamara Silva to be U19 cricket team’s head coach until next WC

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2025

editor

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Chamara Silva has been appointed as the head coach of Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team until the next ICC U19 World Cup.

Silva, who previously served as a coach for the Police Sports Club, brings extensive experience to the role, having also held the position of Chief Police Inspector.

Silva will be supported by batting coach Saman Jayantha and spin bowling coach Dilruwan Perera as the team prepares for upcoming tournaments.

His appointment aims to strengthen the development of young talent and enhance Sri Lanka’s performance in international youth cricket.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board expressed confidence in Silva’s ability to guide the U19 team to success, leveraging his experience as both a player and a coach.

Sports

First woman elected as IOC president

Published

3 days ago

March 21, 2025

editor

Kristy Coventry, Zimbabwe’s current sports minister and a former Olympic swimming champion, has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

At 41, Coventry became the first woman to hold the position in the IOC’s 130-year history (since 1894).

She is also the 10th IOC President, the first African to assume the role, and the youngest ever to be elected.

The election for the new term was held yesterday (March 20) in Greece, where she secured a majority vote in the first round.

Coventry will officially take office in June and is set to serve a minimum term of eight years, according to international media reports.