Australia ⁠has confirmed that two more members of the Iranian women’s football team have received humanitarian visas, after five players were earlier granted asylum over concerns for their safety should they return to Iran, following the team failing to simg their national anthem before a recent match.

A player and a member of the team’s support staff decided ⁠to stay ⁠in Australia after seeking asylum, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke told reporters on Wednesday.

The pair has now joined five other team members granted humanitarian visas on Tuesday, Burke told reporters.

He said the pair sought asylum before the team departed the country late on Tuesday night, adding that all the women were taken aside individually by Australian officials and interpreters, without Iranian minders present, and offered asylum as they passed through security at Sydney airport.

“They were given a choice,” said Burke, who later posted images of the players on social media.

“In that situation, what we made sure of was that there was no rushing, there was no pressure,” he said.

Burke also said that some people linked to the team were not offered asylum, without providing details. One member of the delegation delayed boarding the departing flight from Sydney while they contacted family members and deliberated about staying in Australia, Burke said.The team’s departure from their hotel in Australia’s Gold Coast and arrival at the domestic airport in Sydney before their international departure took place amid protests, as Iranian Australians sought to prevent the women from leaving the country, citing fears for their safety in Iran.

“We weren’t sure which way that person would go,” he said. “That individual ultimately made their own decision.”

The seven team members who had requested asylum have received temporary humanitarian visas, which is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, Burke said.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the visas offered to the team members are valid for 12 months and are similar to those granted to applicants from Ukraine, Palestine and Afghanistan.

The team’s departure from their hotel in Australia’s Gold Coast and arrival at the domestic airport in Sydney before their international departure took place amid protests, as Iranian Australians sought to prevent the women from leaving the country, citing fears for their safety in Iran.

Concerns about the players’ safety emerged after Iranian state television labelled the team “traitors” for refusing to sing the ⁠national anthem before their first Asia Cup match in Australia. The team later sang the anthem at other matches.

However, the office of ‌Iran’s ‌general prosecutor said on Tuesday that the remaining members of the team were invited home  “with peace and confidence”, Iranian media reported.

“These loved ones are invited to return to their homeland with peace and confidence, and in addition to addressing the concerns of their families,” the general prosecutor’s office was quoted as saying by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, also urged the players to “come home”.

“To Iran’s women’s football team: don’t worry – Iran awaits you with open arms,” Baghaei wrote on X on Tuesday.

The Iranian team joined the Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Australia, just as the US and ⁠Israel launched their war on Iran, killing the country’s ⁠supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many senior officials.

At least 1,255 people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its 12th day and has seen devastating air strikes on the capital, Tehran, and other cities, as well as key infrastructure and civilian sites.

The high-profile offer of asylum to the football players also comes as the Australian government has moved to introduce legislation to ban people from certain countries traveling to Australia who authorities fear might overstay their visa due to the war in the Middle East.

According to the ABC, the proposed law would allow the government to stop people from nominated countries entering Australia for up to six months, even if they already have a valid temporary visa.

The Australian Greens party said on Tuesday that the law was “clearly aimed at preventing people from Iran from seeking safety in Australia”.

“We know who this is aimed at by Labor – it’s aimed at the people of Iran, the people of Lebanon, the people of Qatar and the entire Middle East. It is clearly designed to be a Trump-like mass visa freeze,” said Greens Senator David Shoebridge, referring to the governing Australian Labor Party and US President Donald Trump, who has also banned people  from certain countries from entering the US.

The Iranian team joined the Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Australia, just as the US and ⁠Israel launched their war on Iran, killing the country’s ⁠supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many senior officials.

At least 1,255 people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its 12th day and has seen devastating air strikes on the capital, Tehran, and other cities, as well as key infrastructure and civilian sites.

The high-profile offer of asylum to the football players also comes as the Australian government has moved to introduce legislation to ban people from certain countries traveling to Australia who authorities fear might overstay their visa due to the war in the Middle East.

According to the ABC, the proposed law would allow the government to stop people from nominated countries entering Australia for up to six months, even if they already have a valid temporary visa.

The Australian Greens party said on Tuesday that the law was “clearly aimed at preventing people from Iran from seeking safety in Australia”.

“We know who this is aimed at by Labor – it’s aimed at the people of Iran, the people of Lebanon, the people of Qatar and the entire Middle East. It is clearly designed to be a Trump-like mass visa freeze,” said Greens Senator David Shoebridge, referring to the governing Australian Labor Party and US President Donald Trump, who has also banned people  from certain countries from entering the US.

(Aljazeera)

The stage is set for another chapter of the historic Battle of the Blues when traditional rivals Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia clash in their annual Big Match which begins at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Thursday.

‎Royal enter the encounter as favourites once again with a formidable batting line-up and a well-balanced bowling attack. The Reid Avenue boys will also be determined to avenge their defeat at the hands of their arch rivals in last year’s edition when the Thomians produced a stunning turnaround to pull off a surprise victory despite Royal starting the match as favourites.

‎However, Big Match cricket has always been known for producing new heroes and unexpected twists. With several players who featured in last year’s encounter returning to the field, both teams are well aware that predictions and form books can often count for little in this prestigious contest.

‎The Thomians, led by Avinash Fernando, will start with the odds stacked heavily against them. To successfully defend the shield, they will need strong batting performances from the likes of Reson Soloman, Jaden Amaraweera, Lugeesha Nimsara, Aaron Kodituwakku and skipper Avinash Fernando.

‎Soloman has been among the most consistent performers this season, amassing close to 800 runs with centuries against St. Anthony’s College Katugastota and Mahinda College Galle. Amaraweera too has enjoyed a productive season, scoring more than 750 runs with centuries against Maris Stella College Negombo and Wesley College Colombo.

‎Kodituwakku has contributed over 650 runs including a century against St. Servatius’ College Matara, while both Nimsara and Fernando have crossed the 500-run mark during the season. Despite their impressive aggregates, none of the Thomian batsmen have maintained an average above 40, which could make their task challenging against a disciplined Royal bowling unit.

‎Much responsibility will also rest on spinner Abheeth Paranawidana, who has captured over 40 wickets this season and will be expected to produce a special performance if the Thomians are to keep Royal’s strong batting order under control.

‎Royal’s batting unit, however, appears stronger on paper. Captain Rehan Peiris has enjoyed an outstanding season, accumulating more than 900 runs at an average close to 50 — one of the most impressive batting performances in the school cricket season.

‎He has received excellent support from Hirun Liyanarachchi, who has scored over 800 runs, and Ramiru Perera, who has accumulated more than 700 runs. Significantly, all three of Royal’s leading batsmen have maintained averages above 40, providing the team with a solid top order.

‎Royal also boast strong leadership experience within the side, with three captains in the playing squad — Sri Lanka Under-19 captain Vimath Dinsara, former Royal skipper Ramiru Perera, and current captain Rehan Peiris.

‎In the bowling department, former Holy Cross College Kalutara spinner Himaru Deshan is expected to play a key role alongside Dushen Udawela, Sehandu Sooriyaarachchi, and Ramiru Perera in what appears to be a well-balanced attack.

‎With Royal seeking revenge and the Thomians determined to prove last year’s victory was no fluke, another thrilling encounter is on the cards when the two proud schools renew their rivalry at the SSC. The Battle of the Blues, as always, promises drama, passion, and perhaps the emergence of new heroes in Sri Lanka’s most celebrated school cricket contest.

Teams

‎S. Thomas’

(from): Avinash Fernando (Captain), Jaden Amaraweera, Aaron Kodituwakku, Methuka Gunarathne, Stevon Peiris, Ludeesha Matharage, Reshon Soloman, Gimhan Mendis, Abheeth Paranawidana, Raphael Hettige, Shanil Perera, Nethun Withanage, Aaron De Silva, Nethuka Ometh, Vihanga Mathagaweera, Minon Warnasuriya, Sineru Thanthiriwatte.

S. Thomas’ College Team

‎Officials: Nilanka Peiris (Head Coach)

‎Royal (from): Rehan Pieris (Captain), Vimath Dinsara, Yasindu Dissanayake, Ramiru Perera, Himaru de Silva, Manuth Dassanayake, Gagan Gamage, Sehandu Sooriyarachchi, Hirun Matheesha, Chanithu Kankanamge, Sandul Abeywardena, Mudith Gunasekara, Thevindu Wewalwala, Udantha Gangewatta, Mahiru Kodithuwakku.

‎Officials: Gamini Perera (Head ‎Coach)

by Reemus Fernando

15 TH STAFFORD MOTORS – MCA G DIVISION T20 LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Fairfirst Insurance, Mobitel, Star Garments and Stafford Motors registered wins in their league stage

matches of the 15th Stafford Motors – MCA G division T20 tournament played on Saturday.

Fairfirst Insurance, playing in Group B, won their tournament opener by defeating group leaders Emar

Pharma by nine wickets at the Sri Lanka Cricket grounds at Bandaragama on Saturday morning. The

Fairfirst bowlers restricted Emar Pharma to 77 runs in 14.4 overs and for Fairfirst Insurance, Dulip Silva

smashed an unbeaten 63 off 42 balls with nine hits to the ropes and three over to seal the win.

In the afternoon game played at Bandaragama Mobitel powered by a half ton by Krishan Santhusha [54]

and a useful 44from Sandeepa Halangoda posted 188/8 in their 20 overs and were able to defend it as

Sneh Ekanayaka [4/12] and 3/36 Budhdhika Hewa were able to successfully defend it.

Nadira Rajakaruna smashed an unbeaten 75 off 39 balls [11 x 4 and 3 x 6] to give his team a eight wicket

win over LSEG at Dharmapala College grounds in Pannipitiya.

In the afternoon game, Stafford Motors overcame Sitecore by four wickets with 50 balls to spare.

At SLC ground Bandaragama:

Fairfirst Insurance

beat Emar Pharma by nine wickets

EMAR PHARMA

77/10 in 14.4 overs [Amitha Dabare 34, Devinda Ayesh 22*; Dulip Silva 1-03, Lahiru

Madushanka 2-22,Prashein Fernando 2-02, Kasun Liyanage 2-19, Sajitha Samarasinghe 2-06]

FAIRFIRST INSURANCE

80/1 in 10.3 overs [Dulip Silva 63*, Prashein Fernando 09*; Amitha Dabare 1-32]

Mobitel by 40 runs

MOBITEL

188/8 IN 20 OVERS [Krishan Santhusha 54, Sachin Indrarathne 23, Sandeepa Halangoda 44,Dinidu Samodana 31; Dhammika Perusinghe 1-32, Champika Ranaweera 1-22, Vishmitha Silva 1-40, Lakshitha Peiris 2-31, Srihan Anuruddika 2-24, Mahesh Devapriya 1-12]

ALARIS LANKA

148/10 IN 19.5 OVERS [Srihan Anuruddika 52, Lakshitha Peiris 25, DhammikaPerusinghe

17, Champika Ranaweera 23; Sachin Indrarathne 2-22, Rangana Rajapaksha 1-19, Budhdhika Hewa 3-36, Senesh Ekanayake 4-12]

At Dharmapala College grounds:

Star Garments by

eight wickets

LSEG

96/10 IN 19.5 OVERS [Rishane Liyanage 30, Nuwan Amarasinghe 22, Hishara Mudalige 11; Randu Fernando 1-23, DunikPerera 3-19, Suwahas Yapa 3-21, Dhanuka Dulanjana 1-05]

STAR GARMENTS

98/2 IN 9.1 OVERS [Nadeesha Rajakaruna 75, Sanjaya Mihiran 14; Kalpa Gamage 1- 19, Isira Deerasooriya 1-15]

Stafford Motors won by

four wickets

SITECORE 103

/10 IN 20 OVERS [Pamodith Maduwantha 10, Lilan Mihiranga 11, Dineth Sathkumara 23, Sakee Faleel 24; Shanaka Sampath 2-19, Sajeewa Vishan 1-21, Dammika Kumara 3-07, Sanjaya Fernando

1-29, Vihanga Malith 2-05]

STAFFORD MOTORS

104/6 IN 11.4 OVERS [Gajindu Yasas 38, Vihanga Malith 18, Sanjaya Fernando 21, Vishwa Rajapaksha 11*; Thanuja Senevirathne 3-37, Dineth Sathkumara 3-08]