There is still clarity on the participation of the Sri Lanka leg spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. They have recently opened their account with the victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. 

Lucknow, under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, reached to their nervy chase with the unbeaten knock of 64 runs in 50 balls with the help of nine boundaries. They picked Hasaranga in the IPL auction for a base price of INR 2 crore, but his no communication has put the franchise under the bus. 

LSG aims Wanindu Hasaranga’s participation in IPL 2026

Hasaranga has not only failed to report to the franchise but hasn’t also given any indication of when he is likely to arrive in India. There is a possibility that the franchise may also look beyond the leg-spinner from Sri Lanka. It’s known that the 28-year-old is yet to undergo the fitness test that the board intends to conduct before issuing its players NOCs for the IPL.

The last update from the reports claimed that in Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga had a bating session at the camp at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo late last week. But he didn’t bowl a single ball which has put the fitness concern. 

See Also: Watch: Xavier Bartlett hurts KKR with double-wicket over

The former spinner from the Sunrisers Hyderabad has been out of action for close to two months, having been out by a tear in his left hamstring. He played in the opening game for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland on February 08 and has been out since then.

“We don't have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga.” The reports claimed. There has been a perception among the ten IPL sides that some overseas players don’t turn up when they are bought at their base price. Following the complaint from the SRH franchise, the IPL introduced provisions for sanctions on overseas players, who pulled out after the auction.

Among the options to get replaces, LSG have Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed. All are part of the RAPP list.

Fans react to Hasaranga’s no communication with LSG

Here is how the fans have reacted to Hasaranga’s situation with the LSG side in the IPL 2026-

Lack of Sportsmanship.
We call out Australian players for it but i think SL players are also taking things lightly...

— Md Tajdar (@tajdaraslam) April 6, 2026

Hasaranga treating LSG like that friend who says "coming in 5 mins" and then goes offline for 3 days

— Vyrat Koolhi (@unknownmanindia) April 6, 2026

Such an unprofessional behaviour by Hasranga. IPL is not a gully cricket league.

— Nexo (@Dhruvpatel19102) April 6, 2026

Where’s the professionalism of this so called professional cricketer?

He will surely be banned from IPL I feel.

Peak BBMW things.

— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) April 6, 2026

Go for Raza

— Facts (@Facts18Pk) April 6, 2026

Just five days after the scheduled end of the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs. The 20-over games will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium before the action moves to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Through the press release, the cricket governing body reckoned that it would be the first meeting between the two sides in the bilateral series as they continue to grow in the game, having kept several future plans in hand. Naseeb Khan, the CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, reflected on the series.

See Also: ‘Disappointed with…’- Sunil Gavaskar suggests India’s Playing XI vs ZIM in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

“We are delighted to host Sri Lanka for the first time in our history. This event reflects the strength of our collaboration with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, and we are committed to further strengthening our relationship to provide a high-quality cricket experience in the future. Sri Lanka has been playing excellent cricket recently, and we look forward to what promises to be a competitive white-ball series between two quality sides.” Naseeb Khan expressed.

Afghanistan to host Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs

The Sri Lanka board is also equally excited for the series. The ODI series could be an issue for several Afghanistan players, who are expected to be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, potentially beginning on March 26.

“Additionally, the series is fundamental to our mission as we begin to further build our team and enhance key areas that need improvement. Our primary goal is to prepare the team for the major ICC and ACC events and the numerous bilateral commitments scheduled over the next two years.” Naseeb was informed in the same press release.

“Bilateral cricket is an important element in international cricket, and we are extremely happy to be a part of this historic tour, as this is the first time Sri Lanka is engaging in a bilateral series hosted by Afghanistan.” CEO of the SLC, Ashley De Silva, addressed. 

Sri Lanka’s tour of Afghanistan 2026

Step onto the field of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), and you can feel the history in the air. For more than 100 years, this ground has been at the center of Sri Lankan cricket. It is where Muthiah Muralidaran spun the ball like magic, taking 166 of his 800 Test wickets – a record at a single ground. It is also where Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara built a 624-run partnership, and where Chaminda Vaas destroyed Zimbabwe with 8 wickets for 19 runs.

Even with all its fame as the 'Lord’s of Sri Lanka,' the SSC could not keep up with the modern game. For many years, it stayed a place for traditional cricket – white clothes and long afternoon shadows. It has given more players and captains to the national team than any other ground. But while the world moved to floodlit T20 cricket, the SSC stayed a daytime ground.

The last limited-overs international played there was a women’s T20I in 2023, and the last men’s white-ball game was an ODI in 2020. Its T20I history is mostly frozen, remembered for the matches between Canada, Ireland, and Afghanistan in the afternoon heat of 2010.

🌟✨ The Sinhalese Sports Club steps into a new era! After 16 years, the hallowed SSC ground is bathed in LED floodlights! 🏗️💡

For over a century, this historic venue has been the heartbeat of Sri Lankan cricket. Now, it's ready to join the T20 revolution! 🔥⚾

This Saturday,… pic.twitter.com/dyAlxtuZyc

— Cricap (@Cricap2024) February 6, 2026

Also read -Watch: Star Indian cricketer hilariously copies Rohit Sharma’s 'special' dialogue at T20 World Cup 2026 captains’ meet

SSC’s Long Wait for Lights Comes to an End

This Saturday, the sun will still be high over Colombo, and the 16-year wait is finally over. The T20 World Cup curtain-raiser between Pakistan and the Netherlands will echo across the ground, with six tall LED floodlights standing over the field. These lights, costing LKR 1.8 billion, mark the club’s arrival into the modern game. The journey to this day, however, has been long.

"My God, for the last two decades," said SSC cricket committee chairman Samantha Dodanwela, showing the relief of a man who has finally reached the goal.

A Modern Look Without Losing Tradition

Since 2009, the dream of floodlights faced challenges – private club rules, disputes, and hesitation from members. With the support of Sri Lanka Cricket and a skilled legal team, the club modernised without losing its character.

The SSC now feels both friendly and international. With a capacity of 12,000, it offers a ‘boutique’ World Cup experience. Plans for a 6,000-seat three-tier stand are also moving forward.

"This venue is in the heart of the city," Dodanwela said, looking at Colombo around the club. "Members will visit in the evenings; the crowd will always be here."

For Dodanwela, who joined the club in 1990 and led its Cricket Committee from 2011, the lights mean relevance. While the SSC has a rich history in Test cricket, he knows the future is T20.

"The SSC pitch is the best in Sri Lanka. Good bowlers get early wickets. But if you survive, there are many runs. In T20, we need runs."

As Oman faces Zimbabwe on February 9 at 3pm, and Pakistan plays the USA under lights the next night, the SSC’s full transition will be complete.

The club may treasure its Test cricket past, but its future now begins under the glow of floodlights in the heart of Colombo.

The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Subcontinental tracks are expected to be the tactical bowlers' dream. Even though India is still expanding beyond batting, the masters of the white ball will eventually choose who wins the 2026 trophy.

These 5 bowlers have the skills they need to do well in a T20I era when scores often go above 200 runs.

1. Varun Chakaravarthy (India)

The "Mystery Spinner" made the most spectacular return in modern cricket history. Varun Chakaravarthy, India's best tactical weapon, will be the ICC's best T20I bowler at the 2026 World Cup. He had a great year in 2025, when he beat South Africa and England. Now, his ability to deliver leg-breaks and googlies from almost the same seam positions makes him almost impossible to read.

Varun Chakaravarthy is known for his great control during the powerplay overs, when he has consistently stopped the other team's openers with his variations. His economy rate of less than 7 runs per over in high-scoring games shows that he can keep most aggressive batting lineups from scoring big scores. His partnership with his duo spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs is now India's strongest weapon, constructing a spin web that won't be easy for any team out there to tackle.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Top 3 Lowest Team Scores in the ICC T20 World Cup History

2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) 

No "watch out" list would be complete without the Afghan wizard. Rashid Khan enters 2026 as probably the most successful T20I bowler, having recently become the first to hit the 180-wicket milestone. His lightning-fast arm motion maintains the gold standard in T20I bowling.  

Rashid's years of working with tropical climates render him almost unplayable on the spinning track. The leg-spinner's variations, particularly a faster delivery and an unusual googly, keep hitters guessing throughout his spell. His leadership and calm approach under pressure contributed to Afghanistan's bowling power, making them a serious contender for the title.

3. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) 

Jacob Duffy, possibly the most surprising name to some, has been the highest wicket-taker in 2025 for the Kiwis. He recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee's 40-year record for the most international wickets by a New Zealander in a single year, collecting 81 last year. His ability to manage the new ball alongside subtle pace alterations in the death overs has catapulted him into the top five in the world rankings, positioning him as the spearhead of the Kiwi attack. 

Duffy's success relies on his versatility and cricket intellect. Unlike typical fast bowlers who concentrate purely on pace, Duffy has perfected the knack of reading circumstances and modifying his angles accordingly. His yorkers in the death overs have proven lethal, with hitters striving to get beneath them for important boundary hits. His fitness and consistency in bowling four overs make him a key addition to New Zealand's campaign.

3. Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)

Abrar Ahmed, who is now ranked No. 2 in the ICC, is Pakistan's solution to the spin-heavy conditions in the subcontinent. Abrar, who is famed for his "finger-spun" mystery bowling, has been quite decent in the middle overs. He came into the competition with a career-best ICC rating of 748.

The emerging star from Pakistan is known for breaking up important partnerships, often taking crucial wickets when batsmen seem to be in charge. His record against left-handed batters is especially excellent since his different types of pitches make it hard for left-handed batters to take control of the middle overs.

5. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) 

With half of the competition taking place in Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga is probably the most deadly player on home turf. He is a consistent match-winner who rates among the top five in the world and thrives under the stress of captaincy. His control of the googly and excellent wicket-taking record against the best batting units in Colombo gives him an extra advantage over the tournament's leading wicket-taker. 

Wanindu Hasaranga's all-around abilities increase his value, as his fearless hitting in the lower order often leads to important runs. The Sri Lankan skipper has an incredible ability to scoop up wickets in a row, frequently dismantling middle orders on his own. His achievements in previous matches on home soil were nothing short of outstanding, and his comfort with the conditions offers him a psychological advantage over visiting teams.

Sri Lanka announced a squad of 25 members for the upcoming T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start on February 7, 2026. Ahead of that, the Sri Lankan cricket board has taken some significant steps. Along with announcing the tentative squad, they chose their captain for the elite tournament as well. They picked Dasun Shanaka as their captain for the team. 

While announcing the probable squad, Sri Lanka Cricket Team's Chief Selector Pramodaya Wickramasinghe informed that their previous captain Charith Asalanka's form is not satisfying, so he has been removed from the captaincy. On the other hand, Shanaka's recent form is brilliant, and he has the experience of the World Cup as well. So the board again appoints him as the skipper. 

Sri Lanka is in a tough group in the upcoming T20I World Cup. Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman are in the same group with Sri Lanka. From every group, the top two teams will qualify for the next round. This time the World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, so the Sri Lankan team will play most of its matches at home. 

Read More: Watch: Sanju Samson's well-connected shot hit umpire's knee during IND vs SA 5th T20I

Groups for the T20 World Cup 2026:

Group A: India, Pakistan, Namibia, United States, Netherlands.

Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman.

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy.

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka's 25-member squad for the T20I World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pawan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Ishan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Vyaskanth, and Traveen Mathew.

Bangladesh have announced their ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series that is expected to commence on July 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The out-of-form wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been recalled for this series and will be a part of the white-ball setup for Bangladesh. Unlike the case with the Test series, Bangladesh have appointed a new white-ball captain. The spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has not featured in the Test series, will take over the captaincy duties from Najmul Hossain Shanto and lead the Tigers in the ODI series.

Additionally, the team had to make five forced changes following the departure of veteran cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim from the ODI format. Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, and Tanvir Islam are the other three cricketers apart from Litton Das who have been recalled ahead of the series. Naim's last appearance in the ODI format was in 2023. Besides, Shamim's last appearance in this format also came way back in 2023. However, Islam has not featured for Bangladesh in this format and gets a maiden call-up on the back of just six T20Is. 

See also: Bangladesh set to boycott their tour to Pakistan amid tensions with India

Litton gets another opportunity despite his poor run in ODIs

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Litton will be a part of Bangladesh's white-ball setup for the upcoming ODI series. Although the Chief Selector is fully aware of the batter's stark drop in form, he remains hopeful of a turnaround and believes that he has what it takes to regain his lost form.  

"Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is."

In the last eight ODIs, Litton has only managed 35 runs between the tours of New Zealand in December 2023 and the West Indies in December 2024. Due to his poor run, Litton missed out on a spot for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh squad

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud

As 2024 draws to a conclusion, the One-Day International format (ODI) in men's cricket continues to have a constant and prominent presence. Several players, particularly from Asia, showed their mettle.

The ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for the teams to test their assets and evaluate individuals. The Champions Trophy, however, would not feature Sri Lanka or the West Indies. Notably, numerous Sri Lankan players made significant contributions this year. Charith Asalanka, one of the picked players, heads the team.

Overall, this year's primary attention was on the T20 World Cup and Test cricket, and as a result, ODIs were somewhat overlooked as we approached the Champions Trophy, and we should expect a different scene in the coming days. On that note, we present to you, the Cricket Winner ODI Team of the Year, 2024 edition. 

The former Sri Lankan Test player turned coach Dulip Samaraweera finds himself embroiled in a soup as Cricket Australia has slapped yet another ban on him following his allegations of offensive behavior towards another player while coaching.  Samaraweera, who was previously handed a 20-year ban from the governing body due to his inappropriate conduct towards a female player faces another allegation this time around.

Unmasking the details of his second offense as a coach

The second offense that was supposedly committed by him was as a private coach while he was employed by Cricket Victoria. Although Samaraweera dismissed all the claims but refrained from partaking in the investigation. Hence, as a result, a decision was made by Cricket Australia to ban the Sri Lankan coach for another 10 years for violating the game's code of conduct.

The 10-year ban will be cumulatively added to his already-persisting 20-year ban which will effectively exclude Samaraweera from the domestic coaching circuit till 2044 when he will be 72. Australian Associated Press (AAP) acknowledges that neither complainant has chosen to take the matter further and pursue criminal charges at this time.

However, Samaraweera's news on player misconduct drew a strong response from Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins who deemed his actions "utterly reprehensible" and "a betrayal of everything we stand for". His comments came once Cricket Australia concluded the findings of its initial investigation in September. Cummins stressed that the safety and the psychological well-being of every member at Cricket Victoria is of primary importance. to him.

He further admitted that his administration is committed to helping the affected player in every possible manner and will go to all lengths to help the victim materialize her dreams both on and off the field. 

"From an organization perspective, the safety and well-being of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount. We will not tolerate any behavior which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up. The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up. She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field."

A look into Samaraweera's professional cricketing career

Samaraweera was born in the capital city of Colombo and represented Sri Lanka in seven Tests between 1993 and 1995 before transitioning into coaching. The seven-time Test representative, dedicated nearly 16 years to Cricket Victoria's women's program, serving as a longstanding assistant coach for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, prior to her resignation in May. The 42-year-old served as the assistant coach for the Starts from the inaugural WBBL season in 2015 and subsequently went on to serve as Victoria's interim head coach for most of last summer.

Samaraweera was poised to take up a full-time coaching role for Cricket Victoria but resigned in May as the current policies in place barred him from hiring his brother Thilan to the coaching staff.

See also: Injury blow for Sri Lanka as Dushan Hemantha replace Wanindu Hasaranga for NZ ODIs

Prabath Jayasuriya’s performance in the two-Test series against New Zealand was nothing short of remarkable. Across four innings, he bowled a total of 122.4 overs, claiming 18 wickets at an impressive average of 21.39. His economy rate of 3.14 suggests that he maintained tight control throughout, making it difficult for the New Zealand batters to score freely. His best bowling figures of 6/42 underscore his match-winning abilities, while he recorded two five-wicket hauls, further highlighting his dominance over the Kiwi lineup. Jayasuriya’s sharp turn and accuracy, combined with subtle variations, kept the New Zealand batters on edge, forcing them into frequent errors.

Throughout the series, Jayasuriya's ability to build pressure was evident, as he bowled a significant 517 dot balls. He effectively neutralized the scoring threats, conceding just 29 boundaries and 10 sixes, often trapping the batters with clever field placements and spinning deliveries. His strike rate of 40.89 indicates that he consistently broke through the batting order at regular intervals, ensuring that New Zealand could not establish any long-lasting partnerships. Jayasuriya’s performance was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, as he exposed the weaknesses of the New Zealand batters in facing quality spin bowling, making him the standout performer of the series.

See Also: Ravindra Jadeja's 300+ wickets in test career analysis

Prabath Jayasuriya's Mastery Over New Zealand’s Batting Lineup: A Detailed Breakdown

The New Zealand batters found themselves in a battle against Prabath Jayasuriya's spin throughout the two-Test series, as his clever use of angles, flight, and turn created consistent problems for the visitors. One of his key achievements was removing major players from the Kiwi lineup, each of whom struggled to handle his deceptive spin. Ajaz Patel, who faced Jayasuriya for eight overs, managed to score only 22 runs before falling victim to his sharp bowling. Patel’s strike rate was restricted to 48.0, and his dismissal reflected Jayasuriya's ability to get through the lower order quickly. Similarly, Devon Conway, a top-order threat for New Zealand, managed to survive for only 6.4 overs against the spinner before being dismissed. With an economy of 4.50, Conway's attacking instincts were visible, but Jayasuriya trapped him, allowing just 30 runs before the breakthrough.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is known for his resilience, fared better than some of his teammates but still struggled to counter Jayasuriya's variations. Over 11.3 overs, Mitchell scored 38 runs, and despite a reasonable economy rate of 3.30, Jayasuriya’s mastery over him was evident in the two crucial wickets he claimed, forcing the Kiwi all-rounder into errors with pressure-building tactics. Glenn Phillips also encountered similar issues, scoring 47 runs over 11.5 overs, but his aggressive attempts were curtailed by Jayasuriya’s smart field placements and turn. Phillips fell twice to Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of 3.97, showing how the spinner kept him in check while getting through his defenses.

New Zealand’s star batsman Kane Williamson, who is often the backbone of their lineup, faced the most overs against Jayasuriya (22.5) but couldn’t escape his spin web. Williamson scored 66 runs at a cautious rate, maintaining an economy of 2.89. Jayasuriya’s ability to hold Williamson at bay with accurate lines and lengths was vital in destabilizing the Kiwi innings, as he eventually claimed the prized wicket twice. Even the solid Tom Latham, in just two innings, managed 39 runs at an economy of 3.84, but Jayasuriya’s persistence wore him down, dismissing him once at a key moment.

Jayasuriya’s impact extended beyond the top-order batters, as he also made inroads against the lower middle order and tail-enders. Mitchell Santner, a dangerous player down the order, faced 11 overs, scoring only 34 runs before being removed by Jayasuriya, who bowled with an impressive economy of 3.09. Rachin Ravindra, who had been in good form coming into the series, could only manage 46 runs in 15.5 overs before Jayasuriya snared his wicket with his ability to maintain tight lines and frustrate the batter. His economy of 2.91 showed how hard Ravindra had to work for his runs, and Jayasuriya’s relentless pressure was the key to his dismissal.

The Sri Lankan spinner was particularly effective against the tail-enders. Tim Southee, New Zealand’s captain and lower-order hitter, was rendered ineffective by Jayasuriya’s guile. Southee was dismissed three times in just 4.1 overs, managing only 15 runs with an astonishingly low average of 5.0 and a strike rate of 8.3. Jayasuriya’s ability to remove Southee quickly, along with his dismissal of players like Will O’Rourke and Tom Blundell (who did manage 46 runs but fell three times), ensured that New Zealand’s lower order offered little resistance. Jayasuriya’s control and effectiveness were underscored by his high dot ball percentage, with players like O’Rourke facing 92.9% dot balls and being removed cheaply.

See Also: Can India overcome early new ball struggles in the second test?