Cricket

Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella has been indefinitely suspended from all forms of cricket after failing a doping test during the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The suspension, effective immediately, was announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following an investigation by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA).Dickwella, 31, had captained Galle Marvels in the LPL and was recently recalled to the national team for the T20I series against Bangladesh. However, he did not play in any of the matches.The suspension stems from a positive doping test conducted during the LPL, which is part of SLC's ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. SLC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and SLADA, conducts random doping tests during domestic tournaments to prevent anti-doping violations.Dickwella has a history of disciplinary issues, including a ban for breaching bio-bubble protocols in 2021. Despite his talent, his off-field lifestyle has often overshadowed his performances on the field.The suspension is a significant blow to Sri Lanka's cricket team, as Dickwella has been a key player in all formats. He has scored 2757 runs in Tests, 1604 in ODIs, and 480 in T20Is.SLC has stated that the suspension will remain in place until further notice, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations and maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Sri Lanka's new T20 captain, Charith Asalanka, has identified the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the benchmark for selecting the national team's top-order batters. Asalanka believes that the LPL's high level of competition provides a reliable indicator of players' T20 abilities.Based on their impressive performances in the LPL, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera have emerged as strong contenders for the top three batting positions. Kamindu Mendis, who showcased his versatility by bowling with both arms, has secured the No. 4 spot.Asalanka emphasized the importance of using the LPL as a selection criterion, stating, "If you look at the LPL, it's the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this. More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level."Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera all displayed exceptional batting prowess in the LPL. Mendis accumulated 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, while Nissanka amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 153. Fernando impressed with 374 runs at a strike rate of 163, and Perera boasted the highest strike rate of 169, scoring 296 runs.Asalanka's leadership style revolves around man-management and fostering a positive environment. He aims to extract the best from his players and empower them to execute their plans with confidence."I've played under many captains, and I've tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible," Asalanka said. "What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them."With a wealth of talented batters at his disposal, Asalanka faces the challenge of selecting the optimal top three for Sri Lanka's upcoming T20 matches. The LPL performances of Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera will heavily influence his decision-making process.

In a thrilling Lanka Premier League (LPL) final, Jaffna Kings emerged victorious, chasing down a daunting target of 185 against Galle Marvels. The triumph marked the fourth LPL title for a Jaffna franchise, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.The chase was spearheaded by a record-breaking partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis. Rossouw, known for his explosive batting, bludgeoned 106 off 53 balls, while Mendis contributed a blistering 72 off 40. Their unbroken stand of 185 was the highest for any wicket in LPL history.Rossouw's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting. He targeted the spin bowlers, smashing sixes and fours with ease. Mendis, on the other hand, displayed his versatility, finding boundaries all around the wicket.The Marvels' bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, despite an early breakthrough by Jason Behrendorff. However, Bhanuka Rajapaksa's outstanding 82 off 34 kept them in the game. Rajapaksa showcased his full range of shots, including elegant cuts and powerful drives.Despite Rajapaksa's heroics, the Marvels' total proved insufficient against the relentless batting of Rossouw and Mendis. Rossouw reached his century with a thunderous six, while Mendis remained unbeaten on 72.The victory was a testament to the Kings' dominance throughout the tournament. They had topped the league table and defeated Colombo Stars in the semi-final. The Marvels, on the other hand, had fought their way to the final after finishing third in the league stage.

Pakistan's star all-rounder Shadab Khan has opened up about his recent struggles with the bat and ball on the international circuit. Despite his impressive performances in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) Season 5, Shadab admits to facing challenges in delivering for the Pakistan team.In his LPL debut, Shadab made an immediate impact by claiming a hat-trick against the Kandy Falcons. He has since continued to excel, becoming the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. However, Shadab acknowledges that his success in the LPL does not fully reflect his recent struggles at the international level."I was struggling for three months. I hadn't taken a wicket in the last seven international games," Shadab said. "I came here, started bowling, and am now always taking wickets. That is the beauty of cricket. You have to enjoy these types of scenarios as well... sometimes you perform, sometimes you don't. But the process that you follow has to be consistent."Shadab believes that the pitch conditions in the LPL have been favorable for spinners, but he emphasizes the importance of variations for T20 bowlers. "The pitch was helping us as it was a bit slow and gripping a bit... But T20 cricket is very hard nowadays, as 200 is easily changeable. As a spinner, you have to have your variations because on flat tracks, if you don't have variations, you can go for runs. But if you have variation, you can take wickets as well as contain runs," he said.Despite his recent struggles, Shadab remains determined to contribute as an all-rounder for his franchise, the Colombo Strikers. "I am performing for my team, and that is a good sign. I am the main bowler, and if I am taking wickets, that is a positive sign for me and my team. I want to contribute in all three phases. So far, I am contributing in two as a bowler and fielder. Hopefully, I can contribute with the bat too," he concluded.Shadab's recent performances in the LPL have served as a reminder of his immense talent. As he continues to work on his game, he will be eager to replicate his success at the international level and help Pakistan achieve its cricketing goals.

Mohammad Nabi, the veteran Afghanistan all-rounder, has set his sights on continuing his international career until the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 39-year-old, who is currently leading the Dambulla Sixers in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), believes his body is still capable of performing at the highest level.Nabi has been a key figure in Afghanistan's rise as a cricketing force since making his debut in 2009. He has played a pivotal role in the team's success in limited-overs cricket, particularly in T20Is.While Nabi plans to continue playing T20Is for the foreseeable future, he is considering retiring from ODIs after the Champions Trophy. He believes that the next T20 World Cup will be a fitting end to his illustrious international career."I am still running fast, fielding well, and bowling well," Nabi said. "I am trying to keep myself fit for as long as possible. The Afghanistan team needs me at this stage, but the Champions Trophy may be my last 50-over tournament."Nabi's longevity in the game is a testament to his dedication and commitment to fitness. He follows a strict diet and training regimen to maintain his peak performance.The all-rounder also credits franchise cricket for helping Afghanistan players improve their skills and gain valuable experience. He believes that the exposure to different leagues has contributed to the team's recent success in the T20 World Cup."Franchise cricket gives us a lot of experience that we can bring to the national team," Nabi said. "Afghanistan's performance in the World Cup was really good. We beat big teams and reached the semi-finals for the first time."Nabi's experience and leadership will be crucial for Afghanistan as they look to build on their recent success. He remains a vital cog in the team's plans and is determined to continue contributing to his country's cricketing journey.

Lanka Premier League Terminates Contract with Dambulla Thunders Amid Corruption AllegationsThe Lanka Premier League (LPL) has taken swift action by terminating its contract with the Dambulla Thunders franchise with immediate effect. This decision comes after the arrest of Thunders owner Tamim Rahman in Colombo on Wednesday.Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, was apprehended by the Sri Lankan police prior to boarding a flight. The arrest is reportedly linked to corruption within the LPL, although specific details remain unclear at this time.The LPL has not released an official statement regarding the termination of the Thunders' contract. However, sources within the league have confirmed the move, citing the severity of the allegations against Rahman.The Dambulla Thunders were one of five teams participating in the inaugural edition of the LPL, which is currently underway in Sri Lanka. The franchise had won two of its first three matches before the news of Rahman's arrest broke.The LPL is a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league that was launched in 2020. The tournament features some of the world's top cricketers, including Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Lasith Malinga.The arrest of Rahman and the subsequent termination of the Dambulla Thunders' contract have cast a shadow over the LPL. The league has pledged to cooperate fully with the police investigation and has vowed to take all necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Matheesha Pathirana Becomes Most Expensive Player in Lanka Premier League HistoryNEW DELHI: Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has etched his name in the history books of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) by becoming the most expensive player in the tournament's history. The 21-year-old was snapped up by the Colombo Strikers for a staggering $120,000, surpassing the previous record of $92,000 set by Dilshan Madushanka in the previous edition.Pathirana's unique slinging delivery style has captivated cricket enthusiasts, and his acquisition by the Strikers is a testament to his rising star. The young pacer has impressed with his pace and accuracy, and he is expected to play a key role in the Strikers' title aspirations.The second most expensive player on Tuesday was all-rounder Isuru Udana, who was acquired by the Galle Marvels for $100,000. Another all-rounder, Dasun Shanaka, was the third most expensive player, going to the Dambulla Thunders for $85,000.The most expensive foreign player was Afghanistan's right-arm medium pacer Karim Janat, who was signed by the Dambulla Thunders for $80,000. His compatriot, left-hand batsman Hazratullah Zazai, was also acquired by the Thunders for $50,000.South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, another left-hand batsman, was picked up by the Jaffna Kings for $60,000.The five-team LPL tournament will commence on July 1 and conclude on July 21. With a star-studded lineup featuring some of the world's best cricketers, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling and competitive action.