#sri_lanka

Bangladesh Captain Emphasizes Batting-Friendly Conditions Ahead of ICC Women's T20 World Cup Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana has highlighted the importance of batting-friendly conditions as the team prepares for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, with the first leg of their buildup set against Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series. The series begins on April 19 in Rajshahi, where Sultana expressed her hope for high-scoring matches that could engage fans and showcase the potential of the venue. "Since we are preparing for major tournaments, we wanted a good batting wicket where the batters can play freely and score runs," she said ahead of the opening game. Sultana also praised the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, stating that its surface is particularly conducive to scoring runs and encouraging competitive play. The Bangladesh skipper emphasized the need for matches to be hosted beyond Dhaka, stating, "We can't keep everything Dhaka-centric. If we give importance to grounds outside the capital and host matches here, people involved in the game will feel more encouraged." This focus on expanding cricket's reach aligns with the team's broader strategy to fine-tune their approach ahead of the World Cup, with conditions, venues, and overall tactics forming critical components of their preparation. Sri Lanka, coached by Jamie Siddons, arrived in Bangladesh on Friday for their first bilateral series in the country. The series marks a significant step in Bangladesh's efforts to adapt to tournament conditions and refine their strategies. Sultana's comments underscore the team's commitment to creating an environment where batters can thrive, ensuring both competitive matches and fan engagement.#sri_lanka #bangladesh #icc_women_s_t20_world_cup #nigar_sultana #rajshahi_divisional_stadium

IMF Stresses Need for Trade Liberalisation, Digitisation, Regulatory Streamlining to Unlock Growth in Sri Lanka The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its call for Sri Lanka to continue advancing trade liberalisation, digitalisation, regulatory streamlining, and modernisation of the labour market to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. These recommendations were highlighted during a media conference held by the IMF mission team following their latest assessment of the country’s economic situation. IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, underscored the importance of these measures in addressing structural challenges and fostering long-term development. Papageorgiou outlined that fiscal discipline remains a critical priority, emphasizing the need to maintain robust revenue collection and prudent government spending. He noted that improving tax compliance, expanding tax incentives, and restoring cross-subsidisation mechanisms for fuel and electricity prices are essential to mitigate fiscal risks. These steps, he argued, must be implemented in a manner that safeguards the interests of vulnerable populations, ensuring that economic reforms do not exacerbate inequality. The IMF official also addressed the government’s ongoing reconstruction efforts, stressing the importance of prioritising projects carefully and executing them transparently in accordance with the Public Financial Management Act. Papageorgiou highlighted that social safety nets must be preserved and strengthened to ensure that support reaches those most in need. He further called for monetary policy to remain data-driven and adaptable to the evolving economic landscape of Sri Lanka. A key focus of the IMF’s recommendations was the preservation of the Central Bank’s independence.#central_bank #sri_lanka #imf #evan_papageorgiou #public_financial_management_act

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Calls for Peace, Truth and Unity During Easter Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa delivered an Easter message on April 5, 2026, urging Sri Lankans to uphold peace, truth, and unity during the holiday. In his address, he emphasized that Easter symbolizes hope, resurrection, and new beginnings for society, while extending warm wishes to the people of Sri Lanka. The message highlighted the significance of the holiday for Christians worldwide, who commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and observe the 40-day Lenten season through fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. Premadasa acknowledged the enduring pain of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which targeted churches and hotels across the country. He criticized the failure of past and present governments to deliver justice to the victims, stating that ensuring accountability and uncovering the truth remains a critical responsibility of the state. The opposition leader reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and fairness in addressing the aftermath of the attacks. He called for collective action to build a society rooted in trust, peace, and unity among all ethnicities, religions, and communities. Premadasa stressed that the nation must remain dedicated to truth, justice, and a vision for a strong, just future. His message urged Sri Lankans to honor the memory of the victims while working together to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. In his full address, Premadasa stated, “Easter is a sacred occasion that reminds us of hope, resurrection, and new beginnings as a society. On this blessed day, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Sri Lanka.#sri_lanka #sajith_premadasa #easter_sunday_attacks #2019_easter_sunday_attacks #christian_churches

Sri Lanka's Mahesh Theekshana Joins Hyderabad Kingsmen for PSL 11 Sri Lankan cricketer Mahesh Theekshana has been signed by the Hyderabad Kingsmen for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The announcement was made by the team, confirming that Theekshana will replace Odel Bartlett in their squad. The move marks Theekshana's return to the PSL, where he previously played for the Lahore Qalandars in 2020. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also released the updated schedule for PSL 11, which is set to begin on March 26. The tournament will run for a total of 39 days, featuring 44 matches across multiple venues in Pakistan. The final of the tournament is expected to be a high-profile event, with teams competing for the championship title. Theekshana, a right-handed batsman and occasional off-spin bowler, has been a key player for Sri Lanka in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. His experience and all-round skills are expected to strengthen the Hyderabad Kingsmen's squad as they aim to compete at the top level in the PSL. The PCB's decision to extend the tournament to 39 days and include 44 matches reflects the growing popularity of the PSL, which has attracted top international talent over the years. The schedule includes a mix of group stage matches and knockout rounds, with the final likely to be held in the latter part of the tournament. The signing of Theekshana is seen as a strategic move by the Hyderabad Kingsmen to bolster their batting lineup and provide depth in the middle order. His presence is expected to add stability to the team's performance, particularly in high-pressure situations.#sri_lanka #pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #hyderabad_kingsmen #mahesh_theekshana

PM Modi Talks About 'Power Lockdown': Driving Habits To Extract More Mileage If There's A Fuel Crisis Amid growing global tensions and concerns over fuel availability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the importance of adopting efficient driving practices to conserve energy. His remarks, which drew comparisons to the challenges faced during the pandemic, emphasize the need for preparedness and mindful resource management. As geopolitical conflicts and oil market volatility continue to affect energy security, Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to optimize fuel usage. The Prime Minister’s comments came amid heightened uncertainty over fuel supplies and rising costs, with countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan implementing measures to mitigate the impact of energy shortages. Sri Lanka has introduced mandatory public holidays for schools and non-essential government staff, while Bangladesh has shifted education to online platforms and imposed scheduled power cuts. Pakistan and the Philippines have adopted a four-day workweek for civil servants, and Vietnam has encouraged remote work to reduce energy demand. These actions reflect broader efforts to manage crises without resorting to full-scale lockdowns. Despite these measures, experts note that India is not currently facing a similar lockdown scenario. However, concerns about supply disruptions and fuel price fluctuations remain significant. In this context, maximizing fuel efficiency has become a practical priority for drivers. Modi’s emphasis on preparedness aligns with recommendations for adopting smarter driving habits to reduce consumption and lower costs. Experts suggest that small changes in driving behavior can have a substantial impact on fuel efficiency.#pakistan #sri_lanka #philippines #bangladesh #prime_minister_narendra_modis

Pakistan's Usman Tariq has sparked global interest with his unconventional bowling action, which has led to both admiration and controversy. The spinner's unique side-arm delivery, characterized by a deliberate pause before releasing the ball, has made him a standout performer in international cricket. Despite initial doubts about the legality of his action, Tariq's technique has been officially cleared by the International Cricket Council, allowing him to continue competing at the highest level. Tariq's distinctive style has influenced other spinners, with some adopting similar techniques. A notable example occurred during a school cricket match in Sri Lanka, where a left-arm spinner named Nethuja Bashitha attempted to replicate Tariq's action. However, the umpire ruled the delivery a "dead ball" due to the delayed release, highlighting the challenges of executing such a technique in real match conditions. This incident underscores the growing fascination with Tariq's approach, even as it raises questions about its practicality. The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, provided a stage for Tariq to showcase his skills. Despite Pakistan's early exit from the tournament after the Super Eight stage, Tariq performed admirably, claiming 10 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.23. His contributions were pivotal in keeping Pakistan competitive, though the team ultimately fell short of advancing further. Tariq's journey to developing his unique action began in domestic cricket, where he experimented with bowling using a tennis ball to refine his technique. He described his method as a deliberate effort to "break the fractions" of his bowling motion, emphasizing that the timing and rhythm of his delivery remain intact despite the slowed execution.#pakistan #international_cricket_council #sri_lanka #usman_tariq #2026_icc_men_s_t20_world_cup

Iranian Frigate Sunk by U.S. Submarine in South of Sri Lanka, Over 80 Killed Xinhua News Agency reported on March 17, 2026, citing Iranian media outlets including Mehr News Agency, that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had written a handwritten tribute to the sailors who died when the Iranian frigate "Dehnav" was sunk by a U.S. submarine. The message stated that the bravery of the fallen crew would be remembered by Iranians and serve as a foundation for the country’s military development. The frigate "Dehnav" was attacked in the South China Sea near Sri Lanka on March 1, according to the report. The U.S. submarine launched a torpedo that sank the vessel, resulting in the deaths of over 80 personnel. Separately, Israeli media reported on March 17 that Israeli forces conducted an air strike on Larijani’s location on March 16. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz claimed Larijani had been killed in the attack. However, Iranian officials stated that information from Larijani would be released within minutes, though it remains unclear whether this communication was the handwritten tribute mentioned earlier.#iran #united_states #sri_lanka #iranian_frigate #dehnav

Fighting oil price hikes Last Friday marked a significant shift as the government implemented a sharp Rs55 per litre increase in fuel prices, a move that has sparked intense public reaction. The decision, made with apparent urgency, aimed to preempt potential supply chain disruptions before they impacted the country’s oil imports. While the adjustment was inevitable due to rising global prices, the speed and preemptive nature of the government’s response stood out. The price hike has drawn comparisons with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan’s position at the top of a global fuel price chart. Analysts questioned why Pakistan faced such a steep increase compared to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. India, for instance, faces its own political challenges, with upcoming elections in key states likely to deter immediate price adjustments. Additionally, India maintains a strategic oil reserve, providing 74 days of import cover, whereas Pakistan’s reserves are limited to just 28 days. This disparity highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to supply shocks. Bangladesh, meanwhile, faces its own crisis. The newly elected government, which campaigned on reducing inflation, opted to raise fuel prices by 20% shortly after taking office, a move that risks undermining public trust. Oil marketing companies in Bangladesh reported losses of Tk74 per litre (Rs169) on fuel sales, prompting emergency measures to control panic buying. With the country’s oil supply struggling to meet demand, the government now risks deeper financial strain as it navigates its IMF program and existing subsidies. Sri Lanka’s situation mirrors Bangladesh’s, with sudden price hikes triggering public unrest. Initially resisting price increases, the country abruptly announced hikes of LKR25 and LKR22 for petrol and diesel, sparking political tensions.#pakistan #india #sri_lanka #bangladesh #imf

Arshdeep Singh Clarified His Heated Moment With Daryl Mitchell During a tense moment in the final match, Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell found themselves in a heated confrontation on the field. The incident occurred when Singh, bowling for India, and Mitchell, batting for New Zealand, clashed mid-pitch. The altercation began when Mitchell, in a moment of aggression, approached Singh, prompting Singh to lose his composure. In a fit of frustration, Singh attempted to throw the ball at Mitchell, but the throw missed its mark, leading to a physical tussle. Captain Sri Lanka’s Surya intervened to de-escalate the situation, preventing the conflict from escalating further. After the match, Singh addressed the incident, clarifying that his actions were not intentional. He stated, “I was going to apologize to Mitchell. I did not throw the ball at him intentionally.” Singh emphasized that his focus was on containing the opposition’s score, as the team needed to restrict the run rate to secure a win. He acknowledged the emotional intensity of the moment, noting that it would take a few days to process the experience. The incident unfolded during the 11th over of India’s innings, with Singh bowling to Mitchell, who was in the middle of a crucial run chase. Mitchell’s aggressive approach, coupled with Singh’s frustration over the lack of wickets, led to the confrontation. Singh’s throw, intended to run out Mitchell, missed, and the two players briefly exchanged words before the captain stepped in to separate them. Singh’s performance in the match was marked by his disciplined bowling, with four overs bowled at an economy rate of 8.00, yielding 32 runs. However, he failed to take a wicket, highlighting the challenges posed by Mitchell’s batting. Mitchell, on the other hand, contributed 17 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 154.#india #sri_lanka #arshdeep_singh #daryl_mitchell #surya

Sanju Samson Shines as T20 World Cup 2026's Player of the Tournament In a historic T20 World Cup 2026, India's Sanju Samson etched his name into cricket history by winning the Player of the Tournament award despite playing only 5 out of 9 matches. His stellar performances in critical games, including a match-winning innings against Sri Lanka, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure and shift the momentum in favor of his team. A Record-Breaking Tournament The 2026 T20 World Cup set new benchmarks, with a record 780 sixes smashed across 20 matches—50.87% more than the 2024 edition. Matches in India and Sri Lanka were particularly explosive, with 600 sixes in India and 180 in Sri Lanka. The strike rate of one six every 15.52 balls remains the highest in T20 World Cup history, reflecting the aggressive batting style that defined the tournament. Samson's Impact Beyond Stats While Samson's 5-match participation might seem limited, his influence was profound. His strategic batting and leadership on the field not only secured crucial wins for India but also inspired fans and analysts to rethink the role of precision and mental resilience in T20 cricket. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments solidified his status as one of the sport's most dynamic batters.#t20_world_cup_2026 #india #sri_lanka #sanju_samson #aaj_tak

Sri Lanka appoint new head coach for men's team | ICC Sri Lanka has appointed Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of their men’s cricket team. The former South African international will take charge for a two-year term beginning April 15, 2026. Kirsten, a former South African player who represented his country between 1993 and 2004, has built a reputation as a successful coach across multiple nations. His most notable achievement came during his tenure with the Indian team, where he led them to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He later guided South Africa from 2011 to 2013, a period during which the Proteas climbed to the top of the world rankings in all formats by 2013. In his most recent role, Kirsten served as a consultant for Namibia during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His playing career saw him accumulate over 14,000 international runs, including 21 Test centuries and 13 One Day International centuries. Kirsten’s primary focus will now be on preparing Sri Lanka for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The tournament will mark a significant opportunity for the team to showcase its progress under his leadership.#icc #namibia #sri_lanka #gary_kirsten #icc_cricket_world_cup

Virat Kohli Holds Record for Highest Runs by India in T20 World Cup Finals Virat Kohli remains the leading run-scorer for India in T20 World Cup finals, with two of the highest individual performances in the tournament's history. The former India captain scored 77 runs off 58 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2014 final and repeated his feat with 76 off 59 deliveries in the 2024 final. These scores solidify his position as the most successful Indian batter in the competition's final matches. Gautam Gambhir holds the third-highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup final, with 75 runs against Pakistan in the 2007 edition. Gambhir's innings, which lasted 54 balls, marked a significant contribution to India's campaign that year. The records highlight the consistency and dominance of Indian batsmen in high-pressure final encounters. Kohli's ability to deliver under pressure has been a defining trait of his career, particularly in major tournaments. His two final centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan underscore his role as a key performer in India's T20 World Cup history. The records he holds reflect not only his personal achievements but also the broader narrative of Indian cricket's evolution in the shortest format of the game.#india #t20_world_cup #sri_lanka #gautam_gambhir #virat_kohli

Drone attacks strike Nakhchivan and Shakarabad, officials condemn Iran’s involvement Officials confirmed that two drones crashed in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, with one hitting the airport terminal and another falling near a school in the village of Shakarabad. The incidents, described as attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, caused damage to the airport building and injured two civilians. A statement from authorities condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and a move to escalate regional tensions. The attack on Nakhchivan’s airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border, sparked concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. A fire broke out as a result of the incident, though the exact number of drones or missiles involved remains unclear. Officials have pledged to release a formal statement detailing the situation. Meanwhile, tensions in the region intensified as reports surfaced about an Iranian warship approaching Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. This followed a U.S. submarine attack on an Iranian frigate earlier in the week, which resulted in the deaths of at least 87 sailors. Sri Lankan media minister Nalinda Jayatissa noted that the second Iranian vessel was positioned just outside the country’s waters, though details about its intentions or crew remained unspecified. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened with senior officials to discuss a potential response to Iran’s request for safe passage through Sri Lanka’s waters. The vessel, reportedly carrying over 100 crew members, faced fears of being targeted by U.S. forces, mirroring the fate of its predecessor. The incident unfolded amid a broader conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, which had launched a joint attack on Iran.#iran #sri_lanka #nakhchivan_autonomous_republic #president_anura_kumara_dissanayake #shakarabad

Iranian frigate sinking off Sri Lanka: foreign minister Sri Lanka deployed naval vessels and aircraft to assist 30 Iranian sailors aboard the frigate Iris Dena, which was foundering off the island’s territorial waters on Wednesday, according to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. The minister informed parliament that the injured sailors were being transported to a hospital in the southern region of the island, following the frigate’s reported sinking during the early hours of the day. The 180-crew Iranian vessel, which had been in the area, was described as losing stability, prompting an emergency response from Sri Lankan maritime forces. Herath emphasized the collaborative effort to ensure the safety of the sailors, noting that the rescue operation was underway as of the time of his statement. The incident occurred just beyond Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the frigate’s distress. Officials confirmed that the majority of the crew had been accounted for, though the exact cause of the frigate’s sinking remained under investigation. The Iranian government had not yet issued a formal statement on the incident, but diplomatic channels were reportedly being used to coordinate further details. The event has drawn attention to the complexities of maritime operations in the region, with concerns about navigation challenges and potential environmental risks. The rescue mission highlighted the role of regional cooperation in maritime emergencies, as Sri Lanka’s military and civilian assets worked to stabilize the situation. While the focus remains on the welfare of the sailors, the incident underscores the vulnerabilities of naval vessels operating in contested or remote waters. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.#iran #sri_lanka #iranian_frigate #vijitha_herath #iris_dena