Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the Sri Lanka National Men’s Team will tour Pakistan in October and November 2026. 

During the tour, Sri Lanka will first play a T20I series against Pakistan. 

This will be followed by a tri-nation One Day International (ODI) series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England.

The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that the Sri Lanka Women’s National Team has secured automatic qualification for the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027, despite the country not hosting the tournament.

In a statement, SLC noted the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision on the hosting arrangements for the inaugural competition. 

While Sri Lanka will not serve as host, the women’s team qualified based on its standing in the current qualification process, it said. 

SLC welcomed the achievement and pledged full support for the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament. 

The board also said it will continue to work closely with the ICC, the host nation, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the event. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has hosted 160 students from the University of Kelaniya’s Mass Communication Department for an educational field visit designed to give them practical exposure to sports journalism and international media operations.

According to the SLC, the students, accompanied by their academic staff, visited the RPICS in Colombo during the Sri Lanka vs. India Under‑19 Second Four‑Day Game. 

They conducted a field study on cricket reporting, sports photography, and managing international media operations, gaining hands-on experience in press box procedures, live sports reporting, and photography.

SLC’s Media Unit conducted a presentation on Professional Practices in Sports Journalism, followed by a Q&A session. The students also engaged with industry professionals, including photographers covering international cricket, to better understand the challenges and standards of sports media.

SLC said the initiative is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at empowering the next generation of professionals and contributing to the future development of the nation by bridging classroom learning with real‑world practice. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 15-member SLC XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against India.

The match will commence tomorrow (07) at the NCC Grounds, Colombo, with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.

Sonal Dinusha will lead the following SLC XI squad;

1. Nishan Madushka
2. Ravindu Rashantha
3. Pasindu Sooriyabandara
4. Pavan Rathnayake
5. Ahan Wickramasinghe
6. Sonal Dinusha  – Captain
7. Anjala Bandara  – Wicketkeeper
8. Nipun Dananjaya
9. Lahiru Kumara
10. Vishwa Fernando
11. Asanka Manoj
12. Isitha Wijesundara
13. Ramesh Mendis
14. Kesara Nuwantha
15. Dilum Sudeera (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will host the Annual Sri Lanka Cricket Awards 2025 on August 6, 2026 in Colombo, celebrating the country’s finest male and female cricketers for their outstanding performances during the 2025 season.

The prestigious ceremony will honour 42 performers from both international and first‑class cricket. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the coveted Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Women’s Cricketer of the Year awards, the highest honours of the night. 

Other major international awards include Best Batter, Best Bowler, Best All‑Rounder, Men’s Emerging Player of the Year, and Women’s Emerging Player of the Year, recognising excellence across all formats.

Dialog Axiata PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications providers, has joined as Title Sponsor, securing naming rights. The event will be officially known as the Dialog Sri Lanka Cricket Awards 2025.

SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley De Silva said: “We are delighted to stage the annual Sri Lanka Cricket Awards 2025, which serve as a fitting tribute to the exceptional performances of our players during the 2025 season.”

First‑Class Cricket Honours

The ceremony will also spotlight domestic achievements, with awards for Best Batter, Best Bowler, Best All‑Rounder, and Most Valuable Player (MVP). Champion teams of the Major Club Three‑Day Tournament, Major Club Men’s 50‑Over Tournament, Major Club Women’s 50‑Over Tournament, and the Major Club T20 Tournament will be felicitated.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Four Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented, honouring two cricketing greats and two media personalities for their outstanding contributions to the game.

Umpire of the Year

The Umpire of the Year award will also be presented, recognising excellence in officiating and the vital role of match officials.

The glittering ceremony will bring together Sri Lanka’s most celebrated cricketers, administrators, match officials, and distinguished guests for a memorable evening dedicated to cricketing excellence. (Newswire)

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Players and officials at the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will observe a minute’s silence before today’s matches at the SSC Grounds, Colombo, as a mark of respect for the late Sir Garfield Sobers. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that cricketers from all participating teams will also wear black armbands in tribute to the legendary West Indies all‑rounder. 

Issuing a statement, SLC expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever produced. 

SLC said Sir Garry shared a special and enduring bond with Sri Lankan cricket, as he served as the coach of Sri Lanka National Team during the early 1980s, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup. 

“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the entire cricketing fraternity of the country, extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family of Sir Garry Sobers during this time of profound loss,” the statement said.  

SLC added that his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will commence this evening at the SSC Grounds, Colombo, as planned, despite media reports of the reported arrest of the Jaffna Kings franchise owner by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.

In an official statement, SLC said it will extend its fullest cooperation to the SIU should any assistance be sought in connection with inquiries arising from the matter.

As the governing body of the LPL, SLC reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the tournament, stressing that it will not tolerate corruption, misconduct, or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.

The SLC further said it has taken all necessary measures to ensure the tournament is conducted under the highest ethical and integrity standards. Its Anti‑Corruption Unit has been working closely with the SIU to strengthen the league’s anti‑corruption framework.

In addition, SLC has engaged Integrity Mentors, an independent sports integrity organization, to provide specialist support and education throughout the competition, ensuring a fair, transparent, and corruption‑free environment.

SLC stressed its zero‑tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices, assuring fans and stakeholders that the 2026 edition of the LPL will be conducted with the utmost dignity and integrity. (Newswire)

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Chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee, Eran Wickramaratne, has visited Sri Lanka Cricket’s Level 1 Coach Education Program during an inspection tour of the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla. 

According to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the four-day program, conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket’s Coach Education Unit, was in progress when Wickramaratne visited the venue as part of his ground inspection tour. 

During his visit, Wickramaratne interacted with both the participants and the coach educators conducting the program. He also took the opportunity to encourage the participants, emphasizing the importance of high-quality coach education in strengthening the future of Sri Lankan cricket. 

A total of 23 participants, including both men and women, took part in the Level 1 Coach Education Program, which covered key areas such as Productive Session Planning, the Coaches’ Code of Conduct, How to Coach, Strength and Conditioning, Batting, Bowling, Fielding and Wicket keeping, and the nutritional aspects of the game. 

The participants represented the cricketing districts of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura.  The program was conducted from 1st to 4th July 2026. 

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Coach Education Unit conducts the Introduction to Cricket Coaching Program, as well as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Coach Education Programs, all of which are designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of cricket coaches across the country. (Newswire)  

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced two squads to represent Sri Lanka in the India Under-19 Men’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2026. 

According to a SLC statement, the tour will feature a three-match One-Day series and a two-match Four-Day series between the Sri Lanka Under-19 and India Under-19 teams. 

The One-Day matches will be played on 4, 6, and 9 July at the MRICS, Hambantota.  

The two Four-Day matches will commence on 13 July at GICs, Galle and on 20 July at the RPICS, Colombo. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced squads to play in the West Indies Emerging Tour of Sri Lanka 2026.

According to an SLC statement, the West Indies and Sri Lanka emerging teams will play two four-day games and three one-day games during the bilateral contest. 

The tour will begin on June 08 with the first four-day game at MRICS, Hambantota, while the second four-day game will start on June 15 at the same venue. 

One-day games will be played on the 22nd, 24th, and 26th of June. 

The first two one-day games will be played at the SSC, and the final at the NCC. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that 46 players have been selected to receive National Player Contracts for the 2026–2027 season. 

According to an SLC statement, the contracted period will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. 

Players have been categorized under A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and Central Contract based on performance, consistency, fitness, potential, and the strategic requirements of the national teams. 

The contracts are aimed at ensuring that the selected cricketers are provided with the necessary support, structure, and resources to perform at the highest level of the game while contributing to the long-term development of cricket in the country. 

The SLC further stated that Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundera, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera, and Tharindu Rathnayake are the new inclusions in the National Player Contracts. 

Congratulating all contracted players, the SLC said the awarding of these contracts reflects the SLC’s continued commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent, and maintaining a strong pool of players capable of representing Sri Lanka across international formats of the game. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that the India Men’s U19 team will tour Sri Lanka during June and July 2026 to play a bilateral series. 

According to an SLC statement, the tour will feature a three-match one-day series and two four-day matches between India U19 and Sri Lanka U19. 

India U19 will arrive in Sri Lanka on 30 June 2026. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has categorically rejected media reports alleging the organization is facing a “financial crisis” following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee.

In a statement, SLC stressed that the Transformation Committee was appointed by the Minister of Sports under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended. 

Once such an order is issued under Section 32, all powers, functions, administration, management, and control of the sports body, including finances and assets, vest with the appointed committee until a new Executive Committee is elected.

SLC noted that the appointment has already been published in the Government Gazette, granting the committee full legal authority to act on behalf of the organization in all administrative and financial matters.

The board reiterated that reports suggesting it is unable to manage finances or that its financial administration has been disrupted are “entirely false and misleading.” 

It stressed that day‑to‑day operations continue without interruption, including the timely settlement of payments to suppliers, service providers, employees, players, and stakeholders. (Newswire)

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The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and runners-up, respectively, in the 2024 season, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced today.

Issuing a statement, the SLC said that the opening game is scheduled to be played on July 17 at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, an opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from July 17 to August 08 across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket, the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the squad to take part in the One-Day series against the touring New Zealand Women’s ‘A’ team. 

According to an SLC statement, the 15-member squad will be captained by Sathya Sandeepani.

The One-Day matches will be played on 12th, 15th, and 18th May.

All matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla. (Newswire)

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Minister Bimal Rathnayake explained the reasoning behind appointing Eran Wickramaratne as chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee, responding to questions about why a person outside their political views was chosen for the position.

“Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” he said, adding that Eran Wickramaratne was appointed as chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee considering his background in the sport, his vast administrative experience, and expectations that he will help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.

Explaining the decision, Minister Rathnayake said cricket could not be treated like managing a political party, and the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne should not be seen as a political decision.

“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. Eran Wickramaratne was selected because he is a former cricketer with knowledge of the game, and there are expectations that he will help develop the sport accordingly,” he said in a televised interview.

Minister Rathnayake stressed that cricket has declined sharply, noting that Sri Lanka has not qualified for a semi-final in any format over the past decade.

“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need, a national strength, and even a political asset for Sri Lanka to move forward globally,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the National People’s Power (NPP) is not confined to JVP or NPP members, and that just as the movement was built through collaboration, cricket’s revival requires working with diverse individuals.

“We are not considering whether it’s SJB, UNP, or LTTE. We are simply focused on a suitable and accomplished individual,” he added.

Minister Rathnayake pointed out that Eran Wickramaratne, also a former politician, will not dominate the administration alone.

“He is joined by cricketing greats Kumar Sangakkara, Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, and others. The whole country is watching them,” Rathnayake said, underscoring the weight of responsibility placed on the transformation committee. (Newswire)

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Former MP Eran Wickramaratne says that he accepted the chairmanship of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Issuing a statement, Wickramaratne noted that after lengthy discussions with former cricketers and leaders, he decided to take on the responsibility effective from yesterday (29).

He further stressed that the committee’s “sole and sincere intention” is to restore the pride and skill of Sri Lankan cricket.

“It is an honour for me to lead a committee of nine individuals of integrity and experience,” he said in the statement. 

The nine-member committee includes Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Thushira Radella, Sidath Wettimuny, Avanthi Colombage, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Dinal Philips, representing a blend of cricketing excellence, institutional management, and legal expertise.

Wickramaratne further outlined two main pillars of the committee’s reform agenda:

• Establishing sound governance: Complete reform of Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance structure, including implementation of a new constitution aligned with International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, embedding transparency, anti-corruption measures, and professionalism to rebuild public trust.
• Excellence on the field: Strengthening national teams through new structures, world-class facilities, and incentive mechanisms to enable players to consistently perform at international standards and elevate Sri Lanka’s global rankings.

“As someone deeply connected to cricket from school and club level onwards, I consider this a privilege and a weighty responsibility,” Wickramaratne said, pledging to deliver sustainable results with the support and constructive criticism of sports enthusiasts across the country. (Newswire)

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Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne has been appointed as the Chairman of the new Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee.

Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Thushira Radella, Sidath Wettimuny, Avanthi Colombage, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Dinal Philips are the remaining members of the nine-member Committee. 

The appointment comes after SLC President Shammi Silva and the members of the Executive Committee submitted their letters of resignation to the Sports Minister today. 

At the time, issuing an official statement, the Sports Ministry said that Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has accepted their resignation.

The Ministry further said that, under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 31 and 34 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with immediate effect.

The statement added that a committee will be appointed shortly to identify solutions to the current issues in cricket and to implement structural reforms within the governing body. (Newswire)

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Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has accepted the resignation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva and the members of the Executive Committee, according to an official statement.

The Ministry said that, under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 31 and 34 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with immediate effect.

Accordingly, all administrative functions of SLC will now fall under the Ministry’s oversight until further arrangements are made.

The statement added that a committee will be appointed shortly to identify solutions to the current issues in cricket and to implement structural reforms within the governing body.

The development follows the formal resignation of the SLC leadership earlier today, which was communicated to the government. (Newswire)

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Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket, and the SLC Executive Committee have decided to resign following a special committee meeting held today.

The resignation ends Silva’s seven-year tenure as head of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Earlier reports said Silva was expected to step down following a request from the government.

Reports also said former MP and State Minister Eran Wickramaratne is likely to be appointed interim president of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Silva was first elected President of Sri Lanka Cricket in February 2019 and retained the position after winning multiple elections. (Newswire)

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