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Sangakkara, Mahanama named in Sri Lanka Cricket transformation committee  Former Sri Lanka internationals Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan ​Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny were ‌named in the nine-member transformation ​committee that will ⁠run Sri Lanka Cricket, a day after the previous leadership resigned from ‌their posts.Local media reports said the former ‌board members had resigned ‌after ⁠a meeting with the ⁠country’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.Former state minister and businessman Eran Wickramaratne has ​been named as ‌the chairman of the new interim committee, which aims to implement a new constitution ‌for SLC to ensure ​better management and transparency.ALSO READ: Cricket Australia board weighing alternatives after BBL privatisation plans blocked“Our immediate priority is a ⁠total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wickramaratne said ‌in a statement.Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who served as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2019-20, is currently the director ‌of cricket for the Indian Premier ​League franchise Rajasthan Royals.Mahanama has also been involved ⁠in cricket administration since his international ⁠retirement in 1999, having served as an ICC ‌match referee for more than a decade.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #Sangakkara #Mahanama #named #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #transformation #committee

Sangakkara, Mahanama named in Sri Lanka Cricket transformation committee

Former Sri Lanka internationals Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan ​Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny were ‌named in the nine-member transformation ​committee that will ⁠run Sri Lanka Cricket, a day after the previous leadership resigned from ‌their posts.

Local media reports said the former ‌board members had resigned ‌after ⁠a meeting with the ⁠country’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Former state minister and businessman Eran Wickramaratne has ​been named as ‌the chairman of the new interim committee, which aims to implement a new constitution ‌for SLC to ensure ​better management and transparency.

ALSO READ: Cricket Australia board weighing alternatives after BBL privatisation plans blocked

“Our immediate priority is a ⁠total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wickramaratne said ‌in a statement.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who served as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2019-20, is currently the director ‌of cricket for the Indian Premier ​League franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Mahanama has also been involved ⁠in cricket administration since his international ⁠retirement in 1999, having served as an ICC ‌match referee for more than a decade.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Sangakkara #Mahanama #named #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #transformation #committee

Former Sri Lanka internationals Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan ​Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny were ‌named in the nine-member transformation ​committee that will ⁠run Sri Lanka Cricket, a day after the previous leadership resigned from ‌their posts.

Local media reports said the former ‌board members had resigned ‌after ⁠a meeting with the ⁠country’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Former state minister and businessman Eran Wickramaratne has ​been named as ‌the chairman of the new interim committee, which aims to implement a new constitution ‌for SLC to ensure ​better management and transparency.

ALSO READ: Cricket Australia board weighing alternatives after BBL privatisation plans blocked

“Our immediate priority is a ⁠total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wickramaratne said ‌in a statement.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who served as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2019-20, is currently the director ‌of cricket for the Indian Premier ​League franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Mahanama has also been involved ⁠in cricket administration since his international ⁠retirement in 1999, having served as an ICC ‌match referee for more than a decade.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

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#Sangakkara #Mahanama #named #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #transformation #committee

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Deadspin | Ducks eye series win in Game 6, but Oilers have knack for comebacks <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28807985.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28807985.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a a power play goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The first chance to close their playoff series was a bust for the Anaheim Ducks. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The second opportunity will be Thursday on home ice when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We’re going to be more ready for the first five, 10 minutes,” said forward Leo Carlsson on Wednesday. “We know that they’re going to come out hard, so we just have to match that energy.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Ducks had a golden opportunity to knock out the two-time defending Stanley Cup finalists, but Edmonton staved off elimination with a decisive 4-1 home-ice victory Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Oilers staked a 3-0 lead just past the 10-minute mark and Anaheim could not pull back into the clash despite holding a 24-8 edge in shots over the final two periods.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Anaheim still holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I always find in the course of a playoff series, there’s going to be one game that you want to throw in the can, you just didn’t have it up to par, and you’re wondering, ‘Why?'” coach Joel Quenneville said. “It happens, it seems like, every year in every playoff round.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Certainly the Ducks have reasons to be positive. They won the first two clashes on home ice and their power play continues to sparkle — having converted seven times in the first five games (7-for-14).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Plus, they received an important lesson about closing out a team last outing.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>“They had their best (against) a bunch of guys that never had a chance to close out a series,” Quenneville said. “We learned that you better be ready at puck drop.”</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>The Oilers, who have erased a handful of series deficits over the past few seasons, are full marks for keeping their hopes alive.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>However, Edmonton still has a mountain to climb with the need to make that victory the first of three needed to reach the second round of the Stanley Cup chase.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>That said, the mood was definitely brighter in the aftermath of the win and as the team headed to Southern California.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“You always feel good after a win. That definitely changes it,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “After a loss, especially in overtime, heads are hanging and you feel down. A win, you’re thinking we only need two instead of three and the task doesn’t seem so difficult.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Now to see whether the Oilers can claim another victory and push the series to a one-game showdown on home ice or if that win simply prolonged the execution.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“We’re still in a tough, tough spot, a really tough spot,” said captain Connor McDavid, who had two assists in Game 5. “We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building. … You have to be grateful just getting to the next day. All we did is survive one more day. The pressure is still on us, but it’s a big game for them, too. I’m sure they’ll be feeling that, too.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>In his team’s favor is the club’s success as playoff series move along. Starting with the 2024 run to the finals, the Oilers have a 20-5 record in Games 4 through 7, and that includes their Game 4 loss against Anaheim.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Edmonton exudes confidence of a comeback in part because of that success as every playoff series continues.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“I’m sure you’ve heard this 1,000 times, when our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey,” said defenseman Evan Bouchard, who collected three assists in Tuesday’s win. “We did that (again).”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-20"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ducks #eye #series #win #Game #Oilers #knack #comebacks

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Deadspin | Torrid Jannik Sinner, Arthur Fils move on in Madrid <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28510668.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28510668.jpg" alt="Syndication: Desert Sun" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jannik Sinner reaches for a backhand during his victory over Daniil Medvedev in the men’s final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 15, 2026.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Top-seeded Jannik Sinner saved all seven break points he faced and stretched his winning streak to 21 matches by taking down Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6 (0) on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Sinner stroked 28 winners against 12 unforced errors while winning the quarterfinal match in one hour, 55 minutes against the 19-year-old Spaniard, who is a native of Madrid.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Sinner was pushed hard in the second set by Jodar before dominating a tiebreaker to win the match.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner said of Jodar. “He’s an incredible player. I tried to be ready as much as I could. But I’m incredibly happy. It was a very high quality match. I got a bit lucky in the second set, but also had a bit of experience. I’m obviously very happy to be in the semis here for the first time. It means a lot to me.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Sinner will face No. 21 Arthur Fils of France in his semifinal match. Fils recorded a 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over No. 11 Jiri Lehecka of Czechia.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Sinner won the lone career meeting between the two in 2023 in the Montpellier semifinals.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“It is a good battle,” Fils said of facing Sinner. “He is the World No. 1, he is a big champion. He won Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo. I am going to try my best and play my best tennis and enjoy myself on the court. It is nice to come on the court as an underdog.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Fils is also hot with nine straight victories. He won the title at Barcelona earlier this month before four straight wins in Madrid.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Sinner’s last setback came against Czech Jacub Mensik in the quarterfinals at Doha on Feb. 19.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>He has won his past three tournaments, claiming the Sunshine Double by winning Indian Wells and Miami and then triumphing at Monte Carlo earlier this month.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Sinner had a 6-4 edge in aces against Jodar and won 72.5% (37 of 51) of his first-serve points.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Jodar had 19 winners against 16 unforced errors. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Fils, 21, won 85.7% (30 of 35) of his first-serve points while dispatching Lehecka in just 74 minutes.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The strong effort allowed Fils to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal match for the second time in his career. The first was in Miami in March, when, coincidentally, he lost to Lehecka.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“I am very happy to be in the semis here, as the last two years, I had never won a match or a set here, so to be in the semis feels very good,” Fils said. “When it is slow and heavier (conditions) I feel good. I know with my fitness, I can hold for three or four hours in these conditions. I feel very good.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Lehecka had six aces but didn’t receive a single break-point opportunity.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Torrid #Jannik #Sinner #Arthur #Fils #move #Madrid

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”

Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.

ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates $145 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 security

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event">Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event  Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates 5 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 securityAn emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event

Canadian government allocates $145 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 security

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event">Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”

Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.

ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates $145 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 security

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event
Deadspin | Jays activate OF George Springer, DFA Eloy Jimenez  Mar 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) shows the heart symbol after his solo home run against the Athletics in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   The Blue Jays activated outfielder/designated hitter George Springer from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.  Toronto designated first baseman/outfielder Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster.  Springer, 36, was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the visiting Boston Red Sox.   Springer has been sidelined with a broken left big toe since April 11. The four-time All-Star hit .185 with two homers and six RBIs in 14 games before the injury.  Jimenez, 29, is batting .290 with three RBIs in 12 games in his first season with the Blue Jays, who signed him in free agency in January.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jays #activate #George #Springer #DFA #Eloy #JimenezMar 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) shows the heart symbol after his solo home run against the Athletics in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Blue Jays activated outfielder/designated hitter George Springer from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Toronto designated first baseman/outfielder Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster.


Springer, 36, was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Springer has been sidelined with a broken left big toe since April 11. The four-time All-Star hit .185 with two homers and six RBIs in 14 games before the injury.

Jimenez, 29, is batting .290 with three RBIs in 12 games in his first season with the Blue Jays, who signed him in free agency in January.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jays #activate #George #Springer #DFA #Eloy #Jimenez">Deadspin | Jays activate OF George Springer, DFA Eloy Jimenez  Mar 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) shows the heart symbol after his solo home run against the Athletics in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images   The Blue Jays activated outfielder/designated hitter George Springer from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.  Toronto designated first baseman/outfielder Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster.  Springer, 36, was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the visiting Boston Red Sox.   Springer has been sidelined with a broken left big toe since April 11. The four-time All-Star hit .185 with two homers and six RBIs in 14 games before the injury.  Jimenez, 29, is batting .290 with three RBIs in 12 games in his first season with the Blue Jays, who signed him in free agency in January.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jays #activate #George #Springer #DFA #Eloy #Jimenez

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