Sri Lanka to Host Indoor Cricket Open World Cup after 21 Years

The World Indoor Cricket Federation has granted the hosting rights of the upcoming Open Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association – the governing body of the sport in this beautiful island nation will be involved for the 02nd instance in this capacity after 2004.

Hiran De Mel, the Sri Lankan delegate at the World Indoor Cricket Federation played a pivotal role in this respect. As the Technical Director of Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association, he is held in very high esteem by the global Indoor Cricket fraternity. Despite a strong lobby by neighbours India, WICF awarded the responsibility of conducting the event to CICA with a show of confidence.

The 12th Men’s Open & 11th Women’s Open Indoor Cricket World Cup Championships will be held at the same location in Thalawathugoda, Colombo District, Western Province, when hosts, Sri Lanka were Runners Up to favourites, Australia in the Men’s competition. In the Women’s segment – favourites, Australia were Champions while South Africa ended as the Runners Up. Asela Pathirana, who led Sri Lanka in 2004 is now the long standing Indoor Cricket coach of the country.

The recently upgraded U Pro, Colombo facility comprising 04 courts will feature teams from 09 nations. The Asia Cup & Masters World Series competitions held last year has revitalised the enthusiasm & expectation of the loyal family of indoor cricket fans in the country.

Australia are the undisputed champions in Men’s & Women’s categories. With 10 championship titles the Australian Ladies lead over South African Ladies with 07 runners up titles. New Zealand ladies have been runners up thrice. There are 11 championship titles for the Men from Kangaroo land. The Kiwi men have been runners up 08 times. South Africa men have annexed 02 runners up trophies while Sri Lanka have lifted the runners up trophy once, as hosts.

The build up to this spectacular event will be a mega boost for the sports tourism sector in the country. As a world renowned & extremely popular tourist destination, a huge spectator interest is expected from many around the world.

COME PLAY ENJOY

Report assisted by Priyantha Wickramanayake