Construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds is set to recommence once changes in cricket administration are resolved, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said.

“Work on the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds has been halted. This is because of the changes made to the cricket administration. Work related to the cricket grounds has been temporarily halted,” he said. 

The Minister noted that funds had already been allocated and the foundation stone was laid in January for the project, which included an indoor stadium, with the intention of completing the facility by September, but a court case was filed by politically motivated groups. 

However, the legal challenge blocked progress, leaving the people of Jaffna at a disadvantage.

“The people of Jaffna are the ones who will suffer a loss because of this move, and these political groups have destroyed the chances of young children of Jaffna. We urge not to destroy children’s dreams and sports opportunities for political motives,” Minister Gamage said, speaking at a public event. (Newswire)

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the start of construction of the cricket stadium at Pomona in Los Angeles County, California, marking a major milestone as the sport prepares for its historic Olympic return at LA28 after 128 years.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona on Wednesday, which ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah termed as a “major milestone” for the game and its 2.5 billion fans worldwide.

Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: “These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport. Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it.

“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket’s return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC Members and stakeholders worldwide. We’re confident this venue will take centre-stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA.”

ICC Chief Executive Mr. Sanjog Gupta, who attended the ground-breaking ceremony, said the world body remains focused on expanding cricket globally, with its return to the Olympics marking a significant step towards that goal.

Mr. Sanjog Gupta, ICC Chief Executive, said: “This is a ‘ground-breaking’ moment in cricket’s return to the Olympic Games, both for the sport and for the Olympic movement. The journey over the next two years will see many such milestones which enhance the sense of occasion, culture and community, as cricket’s home for LA28 is built in Pomona.

“With the inclusion in the Olympic Games and other regional multi-sport events, cricket has already stepped into a new era of global growth powered by improved accessibility, elevated visibility and stronger institutional support.

“The momentum for our game has never been stronger, demonstrated by the recent ICC events which saw record-breaking stadia attendance as well as broadcast and digital engagement, coupled with deep cultural and socio-economic impact. Strong participation growth across the world and recent “fan-first” efforts by the ICC to grow key markets will further bolster cricket’s march into the Olympics.”

The other dignitaries attending the ground-breaking event were LA28 Vice President of Sports Niccolò Campriani, Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, Consul General of India in Los Angeles Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Knight Riders Sports CEO Mr. Venky Mysore, and Fairplex President and CEO Walter Marquez.

The inclusion of cricket in LA28 is seen as a significant opportunity to expand the sport beyond its traditional strongholds and make a meaningful impact in the Americas. It also provides a platform to inspire more young people to take up the game and broaden the fan base across continents, accelerating cricket’s global growth.

Being part of the Olympic movement helps get more funding and support from many governments and the gap between traditionally strong teams and others has reduced considerably in recent years, especially in the T20I format, which will feature in the Olympics for both men’s and women’s competitions. (ICC)

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A cache of bullets was discovered within the premises designated for the upcoming international cricket stadium in Jaffna.

According to the Virakesari newspaper, construction work for the stadium in the Mandaitivu area is currently underway. 

During site clearing operations on Saturday (20 Sept), a quantity of R-56 type bullets was found inside a pipe.

Following this discovery, the Point Pedro Police were notified. They subsequently obtained permission from the Point Pedro Magistrate’s Court to recover the bullets.

According to the Thinakaran newspaper, the bullets discovered within the premises designated for the Jaffna International Sports Stadium were recovered yesterday (22).

Based on the Point Pedro Magistrate’s Court’s approval, the recovery operation was carried out yesterday, and the bullets were successfully unearthed. (Newswire)

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