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Mick Verney a true friend of Sri Lanka cricket

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‘He did self human service not in anticipation of anything’:
Mick Verney
Mick Verney

The cricket world especially Sri Lanka will be saddened to hear the news that Mick Verney has passed away at the age of 92 at his hometown in Woking, Surrey.

Mick was in Sri Lanka in February where he stopped over en route to Australia to visit his two daughters and son and, on his return he was hoping to stay back and watch the English Test series which unfortunately was postponed.

Returning to the UK he fell ill suffering from a bout of pneumonia but recovered. Unfortunately for him he had taken a fall soon afterwards and broken his hip bone and, while on the way to surgery had passed away.

Mick will be remembered by many as a true friend of Sri Lanka cricket for the numerous cricketers he had helped shape their careers in their initial stages by finding them opportunities to play for club sides in the Surrey League.

As former Sri Lanka fast bowler Graeme Labrooy, one of the recipients of Mick’s generosity described: “We played in the club as amateurs and did not have much money. Mick helped us by putting us up at his residence. He looked after us and at times he even drove us to the matches.”

“I got used to bowl under wet and cold conditions and the experience definitely helped me in the early stages of my career,” said Labrooy.

Mick got involved in the sponsorship of Sri Lankan schoolboys in the mid-eighties when he came to Sri Lanka with the junior cricket team from Berkshire which was sponsored by Kumar Boralessa, a stalwart of CCC (Colombo Cricket Club).

Boralessa describing the tour said: “The team played matches in Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Galle and Moratuwa and at the end of the tour Mick did a very analytical report praising Sri Lanka’s standard of cricket at junior level. He picked two players who caught his eye namely Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana, both ended up playing in the under 19 team World Cup in Australia. What came after that is history.

TREMENDOUS PASSION FOR CRICKET AND SRI LANKA

“From then on Mick and I became close friends. He would visit Sri Lanka during the winter and was a known feature in our family circles. He then went on to help numerous players from CCC to play for clubs in the Surrey County circuit. Kapila Wijjegunawardene was the first then Graeme Labrooy, Roshan Jurangpathy, Manoj Mendis, Saman Kandegedara, Rukshan Soza and a host of young Lankan cricketers. His second home was Sri Lanka. He was a wonderful gentleman with a tremendous passion for cricket and Sri Lanka.”

KM Nelson, another CCC stalwart who handled the Berkshire tour when Boralessa had to go overseas on business said, “This man has done a hell of a lot for Sri Lanka. He has helped nearly one hundred schoolboys to gain experience playing in English conditions by sponsoring them. You can write volumes about him.”

Nelson went onto describe how Mick had generously sponsored his sons Ritchie and Dennis in their studies in the UK and also Saman Kandegedara, a leg-break bowler whom Mick was impressed with and sponsored him to the UK from where he progressed to settle down in Australia with his entire family.

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Kappila Wijegunawardene described Mick as ‘one of the most generous people who had helped Sri Lanka cricket more than anybody else’.

“Actually he has gone out of our way to help Sri Lankans and cricketers. He gained nothing out of it personally but did a service to people who were recipients of his generosity. He had a passion for cricket, and he has done yeoman service for the country. He did self human service not in anticipation of anything,” said Wijegunawardene.

“Cricket brought Mick in contact with Sri Lanka and he loved the country. He wanted to come and settle down here given the opportunity. He fell in love with our culture and the people especially and he used to come and stay at our homes whenever he came to Sri Lanka.

“He sponsored all the cricketers, found them food and shelter and clubs to play for. When I joined Maharajas I was playing for CCC. Maharajas wanted us to train at the Lord’s School of Cricket and after the training Mick hosted us and we played a season in the Surrey League. Like that he has helped a lot of people in Sri Lanka,” Wijegunawardene said.

Surrey County CC in an appreciation said: “Mick was a passionate supporter of cricket in the county. He served as chairman of the Surrey Schools Cricket Association between 1973 and 1985 and again from 1995 to 1997. Nationally he was a member of the Executive of the English Schools’ Cricket Association from 1974-88, acting chairman in 1987 and also served as the South Region national selector for the U15 side from 1970-84. Ever passionate about schools’ cricket and State schools in particular, Mick was still able to make his own way from Woking to The Kia Oval for the annual Hobbs Trophy match in 2019, his 91st year. He had been very much looking forward to what should have been the 50th Hobbs Trophy match earlier this month.”

Mick’s death is a sad loss for all those who knew him. He will be missed but not forgotten.

 

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Prabuddha, Salindu top 1000 runs, Shakthi takes 100 wickets

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Quarterfinalists found in U19 Div III Level 1 Schools (2-day) cricket:

Vidyaloka College Galle, Karunaratne Buddhist College Ragama, Loyola College Negombo, Nalanda Boys School Minuwangoda and Ibbagamuwa Central College have advanced to the quarterfinals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division III Level One inter-schools cricket (2-day) tournament.

Prabuddha Premalal (Ibbagamuwa Central College) and Salindu Malmina (Nalanda Boys School Minuwangoda) have passed the 1000 runs milestone for the season.

Premalal, a right hand batsman scored a double century, two centuries and 7 half centuries during the season and left-hander Malmina hit 3 centuries and 4 half centuries.

Left-arm leg-spinner Shakthi Udara of Rajasinghe Central College Hanwella passed the 100 wickets milestone for the season taking 114 wickets for 789 runs.

Sakuna Nidarshana, left hand batsman from Royal College Moneragala made highest individual score of the season (Division 111) with 230 against Vijitha Central College Dikwella.

Prabuddha Premalal ( Ibbagamuwa Central College), Salindu Malmina (Nalanda Boys School Minuwangoda) and Savith Basnayake (St. Thomas College Bandarawela) each made 3 centuries.

The best bowling performance in an innings was by paceman Venuk Hettiarachchi of Ananda Shasthralaya Kotte. He captured 9 wickets for 58 runs against Sri Pragnananda MV Raddoluwa. The best bowling performance in a match was by paceman Venuk Hettiarachchi of Ananda Shasthralaya Kotte with 15 wickets for 159 runs against Methodist High School Moratuwa.

Due to the prevailing health concerns (Covid-19), the SLSCA has decided to postpone the ongoing Under 19 all divisions and Under 13 division III tournament matches until further notice.

- (YK)

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Former Olympic sprint champion Morrow dies aged 84

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Bobby Morrow
Bobby Morrow

LONDON, Sunday - American sprinter Bobby Morrow, who won three gold medals at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, died on Saturday at the age of 84, World Athletics said.

Morrow won gold in the 100 and 200 metres and anchored the U.S. to victory in the 4x100m relay, in which they set a world record. He is one four men to win these three events at a single Games, alongside Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt.

He was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 1956 and set 11 ratified world records during his career.

U.S. media reported that Morrow died of natural causes at his home in San Benito, Texas.

– Agencies

 

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Cambrians shock Royal despite lean season

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Kavinda de Mel-Tharindu Amarasinghe
Kavinda de Mel-Tharindu Amarasinghe

Prince of Wales’ College first eleven cricket team had a very lean season this year without a single outright victory under their belt but having lost to Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda they bounced back in the eleventh hour to beat formidable and more fancied Royal College, Colombo by 96 runs on first innings in their inter-school game played at Reid Avenue to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Inter-School Under 19 Division One Cricket Tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incidentally the Cambrians commenced their first ever inter-school first eleven cricket match against Dharmasoka College way back in 1938 and since the Sokians have not beaten the Cambrians in all the outings. It has either ended in the Cambrians’ favour, or first innings or in a draw.

In the pre-quarterfinals the Royalists had the advantage of winning the toss and electing to bat first and were sitting pretty with 215 runs on day one thanks to a brilliant chanceless unbeaten 113 by Ashan Wickramasinghe. In reply the Cambrians captained by Naduka Fernando with Lakshan Perera as his deputy piled up 311 runs largely due a magnificent 135 by all rounder Kavinda de Mel.

He was ably supported by Vidath Dinendra who contributed an unbeaten 39. Nishan Balasuriya bowled best for the Royalists taking 5 for 79.

However in the one-day tournament match the Cambrians went down to St. Joseph Vaz College. Both these tournaments are postponed due to unavoidable circumstances and resumption of it is like the cat on the fence. Due to this reason the Cambrian-Sebastianite 70th Big Match and the 35th Limited Over Game too were postponed.

The Cambrians participated in 15 matches during the season and won 7 on first innings, lost 5 on first innings, drew 2 and lost one outright.

They are coached by former Vidyalian Lucky Rogers Fernando assisted by Rajeeva Krishan.

The hero of the Royal match Kavinda de Mel with 407 runs and 34 wickets (Best bowling 5/25 v Moratu Vidyalaya) in 13 matches is the Cambrians best all rounder for the season, while Omesh Mendis with 533 runs in 15 outings and, opener Tharindu Amarasinghe with 570 runs in 14 matches are the leading run scorers.

The Principal Kusala J. Fernando, the Prefect of Games Vajira Abeywickrama and Master in Charge Kasun Devapriya have extended their fullest support to the team at all times.

PRINCE OF WALES COLLEGE FIRST ELEVEN CRICKET TEAM 2019/20: Seated (from left): Lucky Rogers Fernando (Coach), Vinuja Ranpul, Vajira Abewickrama (Prefect of Games), Naduka Fernando (Captain), Kusala J. Fernando (Principal), Lakshan Perera (Vice Captain), Kasun Devapriya (Master In charge of Cricket), Rajeewa Krishan (Assistant Coach) Middle Row Standing (from left): Ashan Fernando, Vidath Dinendra, Omesh Mendis, Tharindu Amarasinghe, Dinura Fernando, Ravindu Janindu, Pasindu Pathum, Kavinda de Mel, Rehan Chamika Back Row Standing (from left): Upeka Fernando, Anupa Heshan, Thanuj Kavishan, Kunchana Perera (Picture by Dilwin Mendis Moratuwa, Sports Special Correspondent)

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Options may be to cancel World T20 this year - MCC chief Sangakkara

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MCC president Kumar Sangakkara
MCC president Kumar Sangakkara

MUMBAI: The ICC T20 World Cup has been a matter of hot debate with some calling for it to be postponed to 2022 with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic while others feel that a ‘wait and watch policy should be adapted.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President Kumar Sangakkara feels that the point of focus should be the virus and how it will act over time.

Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, the former Sri Lanka captain said: “The real thing is what’s going to happen with the virus. Is it going to disappear like SARS and MERS, or is this something that’s going to come back seasonally? Will we have to live with this particular virus or different strains of it from time to time or do we have to live with it long term?

“If that’s the case, then some of the changes that we have seen in our lives now, may be the new normal for us for a few years until a vaccine is found or until there’s enough immunity globally among the people to withstand this. So, those are really questions that I don’t think anyone can answer at the moment.

“We will get more clarity as time goes by. So, I can imagine sitting around a table for the ICC, trying to understand, consulting with experts to understand what’s going on. And more so, the questions that a lot of us have in our minds have still not been answered by the top most experts in the world.

“Everyday, there are new learnings, new things being found out, so we will have to wait and see, but the options may be to cancel it this year, postpone it to another year, but to have in place anticipatory procedures that take into account health and safety of both the players and the spectators, and make sure that’s iron clad.” – IANS

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Sri Lanka men cricketers return to training from today

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13 members will undergo 12-day ‘Residential Training Camp’
Sri Lanka men’s cricketers at training.
Sri Lanka men’s cricketers at training.

The National men’s cricketers will return to training from today 1 June), strictly adhering to the health regulations imposed by the Government in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the selected squad of 13 members will undergo a 12-day ‘Residential Training Camp’ at the CCC, Colombo, whilst they will stay as a group in a hotel during the entirety of the camp.

The players taking part in the camp represent a general squad chosen from across all formats, and primarily consist of bowlers, as they need more time for ‘conditioning’ before going into active competition.

The coaching and support staff consists of a four member units.

The 12-day ‘Residential Training Camp’ was implemented, taking into consideration the health regulations imposed by the Government, which specifies cricket as a ‘High Risk’ sport and needs residential training.

Sri Lanka Cricket has taken all required measures in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Health to ensure the safety of every individual involved in this exercise, and has formulated a set of procedures to adhere, during the camp period and before.

Accordingly, some of the procedures are as follows:

- All vehicles involved in the program will be disinfected before commencing the ‘Residential Camp’ and also during the camp period.

- Whilst health officials already visited the hotel and the practice venue, and provided health guidelines to the staff members of the respective venues to follow, during the camp period.

- Members taking part in the camp will not be allowed to leave the hotel premises or the practice venue to attend personal matters during the training period.

Sri Lanka are preparing to host India for a limited-overs series in July.

However, India’s cricket board has said it will wait for more clarity regarding curbs on international travel before making a decision on the tour.

On Saturday, South Africa also allowed training and playing of professional non-contact sport, a decision welcomed by its cricket board.  “This is a big boost for the operational side of our cricket,” Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) acting chief executive, Jacques Faul, said in a statement.

CSA’s COVID-19 steering committee will meet on Monday to draw up a protocol for the return to training and playing, he added. On Saturday, Britain allowed elite competitive sport in England to resume behind closed doors from Monday, in compliance with strict conditions.

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Playing under ICC guidelines will look weird and off-putting: Sangakkara

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MUMBAI: Sri Lanka batting great Kumar Sangakkara says it will look “really weird” and “off-putting” to play cricket under the strict guidelines laid down by the ICC but he understands that there is no better option.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently come out with comprehensive guidelines to get the sport up and running around the world while at the same time maintaining the highest safety protocols.

“I understand the guidelines are going to restrict players, playing of the game, it’s going to look really weird, and off-putting even for me when I think about it,” Sangakkara said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected. “But the priority is health and safety. Health is absolutely paramount at this time, especially for players to have the confidence to get back to cricket, to get back to playing, to have grounds may be at some point open to spectators.”

 

The safety measures announced by ICC include the appointment of chief medical officers, a 14-day pre-match isolation training camp and use of gloves by umpires while handling the ball.

“It’s got to be a partnership because when you are under contract, your employer is responsible for creating a safe environment and educating the players and insisting that the environment that they come to work in is very safe,” weighing on the governing body’s guidelines, Sangakkara, who is also the President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), said.

“Players also have the responsibility in turn to understand what the government guidelines are. It’s not just about you and I, it’s also about how we spread it to other people – loved ones, the elderly in society – so you got to really be mindful of that.” The former Sri Lanka captain said it is important to understand that these rules are for the safety of everyone associated with the game.

“If that environment of safety and health is not there, then the doubts keep coming back, ‘Should we start, should be go back to playing?’ So, we have to be really careful there, and understand that all these new rules are to try and make it as safe as possible even though it seems very, very detailed and extensive,” he said. - PTI

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Competitive sport in England gets green light for Monday restart

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  The first major event is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes horse race at Newmarket on June 6.
The first major event is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes horse race at Newmarket on June 6.

LONDON, Saturday - After a near three-month shutdown, elite competitive sport in England can resume from Monday behind closed doors provided strict conditions are met, the government said on Saturday.

The first major event is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes horse race at Newmarket on June 6, although horse race meetings will be staged, without any spectators, starting on Monday at Newcastle and Tuesday at Kempton Park.

Competitive sport was suspended in Britain in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 38,000 people in the UK to date.

Guidelines published on Saturday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), outlined a lengthy list of criteria that must be met to allow elite athletes and professional sportsmen to resume competition.

“The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement.

“This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.”

Dowden confirmed that preparations were being finalised for the Premier League and English Football League to return to action in June. Premier League shareholders this week agreed a return to contact training with a provisional restart date of June 17, provided safety requirements are in place.

“The Premier League welcomes the government’s announcement today,” an EPL statement said. “We have provisionally planned to restart the Premier League on June 17, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of all involved.”

DCMS said a “significant proportion” of the remaining 92 Premier League matches will be shown on free-to-air platforms. “The British sports bounce back has begun,” it said on Twitter.

While the Premier League could resume on June 17, other sports are in different positions. Domestic cricket remains suspended until Aug. 1, while the Wimbledon tennis tournament has been cancelled for the first time since World War II. Premiership rugby clubs hope to resume training from June 8.

The government’s latest step for the resumption of elite level sport follow its ‘stage two’ guidance published on May 25 which allowed elite athletes to resume group training under carefully controlled conditions.

– Agencies

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

YMCA celebrates 176th anniversary with digital chess

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The YMCA World Challenge Chess 2020 will go digital in Kandy on June 6 to celebrate the YMCA’s 176th anniversary.

The World YMCA is taking the World Challenge digitally. The Kandy YMCA are challenging their  members across the globe digitally to connect/reconnect with their members while also enjoying global digital content throughout the day.

This year many of the YMCAs will be closed on the day of this birthday or trying to re-establish themselves with thousands of YMCA members still potentially on lockdown or having their movement restricted.

The main point of the 2020 World Challenge will be encouraging people to connect/reconnect. For those out of lockdown, it’s a chance to reconnect, and for those still under lockdown at that time, it’s a chance to meet digitally and connect for reasons other than work.

To commemorate the YMCA’s birthday the Kandy YMCA, the oldest active chess club in the country are  organising a series of online chess events as follows: on 4 June from 7.00pm-9.00 p.m. YChess Open Blitz championship – open to all Sri Lankans having lichess account; on 6 June from 7.00 pm-8.30 p.m. Y-Chess Super League challenge (This is a monthly event and the 3rd edition is on the YMCA birthday), on 7 June from 6.00 pm-7.30 p.m. Y-Chess Juniors open to all school players Under 16 years of age as of 1 January 2020.

Strict anti-cheating policy will be in place with the support of lichess domain. Some attractive prizes for winners of the above tournaments will be distributed. This series of online chess tournaments is a concept of Rev. Saman Perera, the Visionary President of Kandy YMCA and  Ishan Wiratunga, the board member who has been a member of Kandy YMCA chess team since the 1990s.

Further details can be obtained from Shiraz Liaquath on 071 6837716 or Amara Sankajana on 0716051899. Kandy YMCA Chess for details can be followed on Facebook.

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

Following splendid rugby career Riza Mubarak turns to coaching

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 Riza Mubarak
Riza Mubarak

Riza Mubarak one of a top performers for the Sri Lankan Tuskers for over a decade and recently retired from the rugby arena will continue as a coach in the future.

Currently serving as the “backs” coach of Isipathana first fifteen team he completed level three coaching course.

“I want to gain more experience in the coaching field and am looking forward to contributing my knowledge to school level coaching development from next year,” said Mubarak. He further said that he has a plan to give back to the sport through coaching and help build athletes, physically and mentally. One of the finest full backs and most reliable place kickers in Sri Lankan rugby, during his playing days for Isipathana College, Police SC, Navy SC, Havelock SC and CR and FC, Mubarak retired from competitive rugby in March this year after a career spanning well over 15 years.

“As athletes, our main responsibility is to give back our knowledge and resources for the development of sports. Goal setting is more important. Goal setting is taking out the time to define your purpose and just the process of doing this is a big win.

It is also important to focus on those small everyday goals because that is where your commitment is put to the test,” Mubarak said. 

Mubarak last represented the CR and FC as a full back in the club league tournament which concluded recently.

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

England want ICC to allow coronavirus substitutes

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 Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave its approval in principle on Friday for the series in England. Rival captains Joe Root and Jason Holder.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave its approval in principle on Friday for the series in England. Rival captains Joe Root and Jason Holder.

LONDON, Saturday - The England and Wales Cricket Board is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about allowing coronavirus player substitutions in its upcoming planned test series against West Indies and Pakistan, an ECB official said.

ECB director of events Steve Elworthy was quoted in British media on Friday saying he hoped an agreement would be reached in time for those test matches, which the ECB plans to hold in “bio-secure” venues in July.

The ICC currently only allows a player to be replaced during a match because of concussion. Under the proposed change, a late substitution would also be allowed on coronavirus grounds. Media reports did not specify how the procedure would work, including whether it would involve testing players.

“I know there are still some considerations from an ICC perspective about a Covid-19 replacement,” Elworthy told British media. “That still needs to be agreed.”

“This is specifically for test cricket, and we would hope that would be in place well before the test series starts in July.” Keeping players’ wellbeing in mind, the ICC Cricket Committee has already recommended banning the use of saliva to shine the ball in order to generate swing. Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave its approval in principle on Friday for the series in England which was originally scheduled in June. – Agencies

Monday, June 1, 2020 - 01:00

NBA great Michael Jordan speaks out on death of George Floyd: 'We have had enough'

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NBA great Michael Jordan (left) and George Floyd
NBA great Michael Jordan (left) and George Floyd

LOS ANGELES, Sunday - Basketball great Michael Jordan voiced outrage on Sunday over the death of George Floyd, a black man shown on video gasping for breath as a white policeman knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered violent nationwide protests.

Jordan said his heart went out to the family of Floyd and others who have died through acts of racism.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan, a Basketball Hall of Famer and owner of the National Basketball Association’s Charlotte Hornets, said in a statement. “I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. “I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”

The comments from Jordan came as many U.S. cities were bracing for another night of unrest after cleaning up streets strewn with broken glass and burned-out cars as curfews failed to quell confrontations between protesters and police. Jordan, a six-time NBA champion who was at the heart of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty in the 1990s, called on people to show compassion and empathy and never turn their backs on senseless brutality.

“We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability,” said Jordan. “Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change.

“Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.” – Agencies

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Hamilton slams F1 for staying silent on Floyd death

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Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton

LONDON, Sunday - Six times Formula One motor racing champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised his sport for its silence on the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white U.S. police officer knelt on his neck.

The death in Minneapolis triggered a wave of outrage and violent protests in the United States.

Hamilton, Formula One’s first black world champion, spends much of his time in America and spoke out on the issue on Instagram on Sunday.

“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” wrote the Mercedes driver.

“Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone,” he added.

“I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you ... are and I see you.”

In a second post, Hamilton added: “I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully. There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change.”

Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo, who will cross to McLaren at the end of the season, said Floyd’s death was “a disgrace” and called for unity against racism.

“Racism is toxic and needs to be addressed not with violence or silence but with unity and action,” the Australian wrote on Instagram.

McLaren driver Lando Norris added a line to his profile on the Twitch streaming platform that said, “sign the !BLM petitions #BLACKLIVESMATTER”

Canadian Nicholas Latifi, who is due to drive for Williams this season, said on Twitter, “This has to stop #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd.” – Agencies

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Lankan cricketers commence training after lockdown

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‘We may have to get used to playing in this manner in the future’ – skipper Dimuth
Health officials briefing the Sri Lanka squad members prior to the commencement of the Training Camp yesterday.
Health officials briefing the Sri Lanka squad members prior to the commencement of the Training Camp yesterday.

Sri Lanka's national cricketers began training together from yesterday at the CCC for the first time in more than two-and-a-half months to sharpen their skills and fitness ahead of a potential restart of the international game.

“Covid-19 affected all the countries and we are starting training as a group from today (Monday). I think it is high time to train ourselves and get back to our fitness level and skill levels. We want to give our 200 percent to start playing international cricket once again,” said Test and ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne ahead of the training session.

“As a team we should be happy that we have started practice. It will be a bit difficult than normal days. In future we may have to get used to playing in this manner,” he said.

“Initially we have to keep the social distances which may be difficult as cricket is a team game. We have been briefed by the health officials on the use of clothes, towels, balls, the way to use the gym etc and we are strictly following the guidelines set by them.”

Health officials briefed the squad members yesterday morning, prior to the commencement of the training camp. A 13-member squad began a 12-day training session with indoor fitness drills yesterday. Ground training is scheduled to commence from today. The squad primarily consists of bowlers, whilst several players have been included to undergo rehabilitation, according to Sri Lanka Cricket.

The squad comprises: Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Udana, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan and Dasun Shanaka.

The players who will undergo rehabilitation: Nuwan Pradeep, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka.

Cricket in the country came to a halt on March 13 when the visiting England team pulled out on the second day of a four-day practice match ahead of their two-Test series.

Since then Sri Lanka Cricket has postponed a one-day series (ODI and T20I) against South Africa.

A similar series against India in July-August and a two-Test series against Bangladesh in August-September are pending approval from both Cricket Boards.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Madushanka deserves a second chance – Lasith Malinga

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Shehan Madushanka
Shehan Madushanka

Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga has come to the aid of disgraced young fast bowler Shehan Madushanka and stated that mistakes happen and everybody deserved a second chance to rehabilitate himself.

“Madushanka is a long term investment who would be an asset to the nation. We need to find out the real reasons behind him using drugs. It may be an escape to his personal problems but this is not the only and the best solution for it,” Malinga told the Daily News.

Madushanka was suspended from all cricket activities by Sri Lanka Cricket after he was arrested by the Pannala police on May 23 with 2.7 grams of cocaine in his car.

He was produced before the Kuliyapitiya magistrate who remanded him till June 2 (today). Speaking further Malinga said, “The drug user might already be going through a difficult phase and might want to stop using drugs but the addiction and our system might have made it difficult for him to come forward and say that he needs help. We should rehabilitate him and guide him on the right path. He is just 25 years old and may have fallen into wrong friendship and relationship which could also be the reason.”

“Madushanka should be punished according to the law of our country but while punishing him, we should create the right path to his life. After all the legal procedures are over, we have to keep him at least three years at Khettarama High Performance Centre, distancing him from others and take what he has to offer for Sri Lanka. Everybody goes through tough times. We have to help him and his family,” he said.

Madushanka, a right-arm fast bowler, born on 10 April 1995 in Wennappuwa studied at Joseph’s Vas College, Wennapuwa and played domestic cricket for Tamil Union and for Baduraliya Sports Club. He has played in one ODI and two T20Is for Sri Lanka in 2018.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Sam Samarasekera outstanding ruggerite from Trinity

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Seevali Samarasinghe  (Pic. by Upananda Jayasundera -Kandy Sports Spl. Corrs.)
Seevali Samarasinghe (Pic. by Upananda Jayasundera -Kandy Sports Spl. Corrs.)

Former Trinity skipper Seevali Samarasekera (better known as Sam) first came into limelight when he scored a match winning try for Trinity College against Royal College in 1969 in the Bradby Shield Rugby match played at Longdon Place. He made a 50-yard sizzling run beating a host of defenders to score that match winning try.

In the same year he was invited by Kandy SC rugby coach Denzil Kobbekaduwa to play for Kandy SC against Havelocks SC which consisted of players like Glen Vanlangenberg, Japana Jayawardena, Jeff and Dan Rutnam, Mark Sunderalingam, Tyronne Holdenbottle, Jeyer Rodriguesz, Royden de Silva, Gogi Thilakaratne and Mazahir Sourjah, a virtual national team. Sam scored the only try after receiving a pass from No. 8 Gamini Udugama to beat Havelocks 11-8 in the Clifford Cup semi-finals which enabled them to come to the final. Kandy lost to CR & FC 6-12 in the final.

Sam captained Trinity in 1970 in which year they won both Bradby Shield matches against Royal by 19-3 and 16-12. He was selected to the Sri Lanka team under Hadji Omar along with players like Y.C. Chang, Didacus de Almeida, Anton Benedict, Daya Jayasundera to name a few. He played as centre against ‘Bosuns’ and Paris University. He played club rugby for almost a decade and was known for his scorching runs and terrific tackles. He was a tower of strength to all the sides he played and a master when it came to tactics and statistics. He said that he learnt a lot from his coaches Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Kavan

Rambukwella, Mohan Sahayam and Maurice Perera.

Sam was all praise for players like Anton Benedict, Didacus de Almeida, Charles Wijewardena, Daya Jayasundera, Michael Jayasekera, Y.C. Chang, Priyantha Ekanayake, Nalaka Weerakkody and Indrajith Bandaranayake.

Sam was in the Police force as Sub-Inspector from 1972 to 1977 and was in the Clifford Cup winning team for a number of years. After leaving Police SC he joined Kandy SC again in 1978 and played under Erwin Howie in the President’s Trophy final against Havelocks SC which they lost 4-10.

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Yet to officially discuss IPL 2020 schedule: Sourav Ganguly

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Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said that he is still not sure when cricket would resume in the country. All cricketing activities around the globe were halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the lockdown is being lifted gradually in India, Ganguly isn’t yet sure when cricket would get a green light.

“We can’t say what will happen in the days to come. It is tough to predict. We are looking at all options. We are still not sure when cricket could resume,” Ganguly told Sportskeeda during an interview on Monday.

With Covid-19 positive cases on the rise in India it is not possible for Ganguly or BCCI to plan the Indian Premier League yet. The BCCI president reiterated that no discussion has taken place in the board regarding the schedule of the tournament.

“If at all, IPL does happen, we don’t know where it could happen. India would certainly like to host the event, provided the environment is safe. Right now, we are not in a position to say anything. It is too early. We are yet to officially discuss the IPL schedule. But it depends on the safety of the environment. Saving human life and breaking the coronavirus chain are more important for all of us,” Ganguly said.

IPL was initially slated to begin from March 29, before getting postponed indefinitely. The future of teh T20 World Cup also looks grim with the ICC set take a call on it on June 10.

The IPL is a huge money spinner for the BCCI and in case it does not take place, the board will face losses to the tune of thousands of crores.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Australia players fine with more throw-downs if staff cut - Smith

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Steve Smith
Steve Smith

SYDNEY, Monday - Australia’s senior players will be ready to assume additional duties like giving throw-downs to team mates in practice if further cost-cutting means fewer support staff, leading batsman Steve Smith said on Monday.

Cricket Australia (CA) has furloughed about 80% of its workforce due to the coronavirus pandemic and state associations have made deep staff cuts in recent weeks.

CA chief Kevin Roberts suggested on Friday there could be another round of cost-cutting to shore up the board’s finances. “Particularly the senior players being able to maybe take a bit of time off your own game and help someone else out at training or something like that,” Smith said after returning to training with his New South Wales team mates on Monday.

“They (support staff) all have a role to play, particularly as the game evolved and got more professional.

“We’ve got people in different areas of expertise to help the team prepare and get ready to play.

“Guys might have to throw to one of the other batters or help out the bowlers in some way. “If that happens, it will take a bit of adjusting.”

On the proposed ban on using saliva to polish the ball, Smith thinks it could disrupt the game’s bat-ball balance.

“I’ve always been one for a fair contest between bat and ball. Even as a batter if that’s taken away, I don’t think that’s great,” Smith said.

“I actually spit on my hands most balls and that’s how I get grip and stuff. So that might take some adjusting to certain things like that.”

– Agencies

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

SLC conducts coaching programs at CP, NCP

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The officials who handled the programme (from left): Amila Pinnaduwa (Coach-CP), Suresh Peiris (Coach-NCP), Sudarshan (Video Analyst), Heshan de Mel ( Head of Coach Education Unit), Ravindra Pushpakumara (Fast Bowling Coach) and Chamila Gamage (Fast Bowling Coach). (Pic. by Upananda Jayasundera-Kandy Sports Spl.Corrs.)

The Coaching Education Unit of Sri Lanka Cricket has trained 600 Level I coaches from the year 2008, from Provinces such as Western, Central, North Central, North and South etc. to improve their coaching talent.

The coaching course covers Strength, Co-ordination, Basics, First Aid, Endurance, General Theory of Training and Sports Nutrition etc.

A programme was held at Pallekele International grounds for the coaches of Central Province and a similar programme was held recently at Kurunegala Welagedara Stadium and coaches from North Central Province participated. Both programmes were held for the entire day commencing at 9.00 am. A coaching licence was issued after the successful training.

These programmes were temporarily suspended due to the corona epidemic prevailing in the country.

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00

Pigeon racing beats snooker to the sporting start line in England

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LONDON, Monday - Pigeon racing will beat snooker and horse racing to be the first sport to return following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England on Monday.

Sport has been shut down since March but the British government on Saturday approved the return of domestic competitive action behind closed doors from June 1.

Premier League football is scheduled to restart on June 17 while cricket chiefs still hope to stage a full international programme during the English summer.

But pigeon racing will have a brief moment in the spotlight.

More than 4,000 birds belonging to members of the Barnsley Federation of Racing Pigeons in the north of England are being released from a park ahead of a 90-mile sprint.

Organiser John Greenshield said he was expecting his 35 pigeons in the race to start arriving back around one hour and 50 minutes after they were released.

Retired miner Mr Greenshield, 72, said the green light came earlier than many expected and so many of the birds are far from "match fit".

But he said the return of racing will be a blessing for many in his community and was "like putting oxygen back into the area".

"The racing is something for people to get out of bed for," he said. "People are really looking forward to it." Reigning world champion Judd Trump will launch snooker's return behind closed doors in the opening match of the Championship League. – AFP

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 01:00
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