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Celebrating Excellence at the Sri Lanka Cricket Awards
The cricketing fraternity gathered for a grand celebration this past Thursday night, as the annual Sri Lanka Cricket Awards honored the standout performers of the 2025 season. Amidst an atmosphere of prestige and reflection, the event served as a testament to the growth of the game, highlighting achievements across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, while also paying tribute to the legendary figures who laid the foundation for the sport in the country.
The Stars of the Evening
The headline act of the ceremony featured Chamari Athapaththu and Pathum Nissanka, both of whom claimed the prestigious Cricketer of the Year titles for the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. Athapaththu, whose influence on the global game continues to expand, further cemented her legacy by sweeping multiple categories, including the ODI and T20I all-rounder awards and the best bowler accolade for ODIs. Her dominance remains a benchmark for excellence in the women’s game.
Pathum Nissanka, meanwhile, was recognized as the pinnacle of men’s cricket. His 2025 season was defined by sheer consistency, accumulating a total of 1414 runs at an average of 40.40 across formats. His remarkable output included 625 runs in T20Is at a staggering strike rate of 149.16, earning him the best batter prize in both the Test and T20I formats.
Future Prospects and Rising Talent
The awards did not merely focus on established icons but also looked toward the future. Kamil Mishara was awarded Men’s Emerging Player of the Year following a breakthrough season, particularly in T20Is where he tallied 336 runs. In the women’s category, Imesha Dulani was named the Women’s Emerging Player of the Year, a recognition bolstered by her recent domestic brilliance, including a stellar unbeaten 101 against Pakistan.
A Comprehensive Look at Individual Accolades
The depth of talent in Sri Lanka was evident through the wide array of winners across various technical categories:
- ODI Batting: Harshitha Samarawickrama (Women) and Charith Asalanka (Men) claimed the honors, the latter edging out Kusal Mendis in a tightly contested category.
- T20I Bowling: Kavisha Dilhari secured the title for the women, while Dushmantha Chameera’s career-best 22 wickets earned him the men’s award.
- All-Rounders: Beyond Athapaththu’s success, Dasun Shanaka (T20I) and Wanindu Hasaranga (ODI) took home the men’s all-rounder awards, with Hasaranga’s ten-ODI haul of 18 wickets proving pivotal.
- Test Cricket: Prabath Jayasuriya was crowned best bowler for his 15-wicket display, while Dhananjaya de Silva was recognized as the best Test all-rounder.
Domestic Dominance and Lifetime Tributes
The ceremony dedicated significant time to the domestic structure, the backbone of the national team. The Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) emerged as the dominant force in the men’s circuit, securing major titles in both T20 and 50-over competitions, with key performances from players like Vishen Halambage and Nishan Madushka. In women’s domestic cricket, Navy Sports Club claimed the 50-over title, with Athapaththu once again standing out as the Most Valuable Player.
The event concluded on a poignant note by honoring four individuals with Lifetime Achievement Awards: Michael Tissera and Anura Tennekoon for their pioneering contributions as pre-Test era leaders and administrators; Reemus Fernando for his decades of dedication to sports journalism; and Kelum Srimal, a voice synonymous with Sri Lankan cricket broadcasting.
This year’s awards served as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan cricket, bridging the gap between the legends of the past and the stars of tomorrow who are driving the sport to new heights.
