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IPL 2024: South Africa, West Indies and New Zealand confirm full participation; limited availability of English players
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that the official window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be from March 22 till the end of May. Finalizing the exact dates is pending due to the upcoming general elections in the country next summer, with the schedule contingent on the election program.
Based on this information conveyed to the franchises ahead of the IPL auction in Dubai on Tuesday (December 19), the Australian, South African, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and West Indies boards have made their players available fully, with minor or no riders. However, England, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh boards have given conditional approval.
Most Australian players will be available for the IPL, except Josh Hazlewood, who will participate in the league only from the first week of May. Cricket Australia (CA) has informed the BCCI that its players will be fully available, except for Hazlewood, and those playing in the final of the Sheffield Shield. The CA has assured the BCCI that all players will be available unless injured. Regarding the Sheffield Shield final, players have the option to choose IPL over the domestic event, which takes place from March 21 to 25.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said its players can participate in the league unless unfit or have international duties. The availability of English players is subject to the ECB’s summer international program surrounding the Twenty20 World Cup, which is yet to be finalized. Rehan Ahmed has withdrawn from the auction. The Twenty20 World Cup is from June 4 to 30 in the Caribbean and the US.
The BCCI communication to the teams on the status of the English player states: “ECB is prepared to make their players available for the duration of the Tournament, subject to fitness and international duty, and any periods of unavailability that players submitted on their auction applications. ECB are still in the process of finalising their schedule for the World T20 in June and if any individual players require specific management in the build-up to the World T20, Rob Key will liaise directly with the player and his franchise to make the necessary arrangements.”
Elsewhere, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket Ireland (CI) have made their players available only partially, but special permissions have been granted to Mustafizur Rahman and Joshua Little. While the Ireland pacer has been permitted to take part in the league fully, the BCB has stated that Rahman can participate in the league from March 22 to May 11.
Sri Lanka has the scheduled second (and last) Test against Bangladesh from March 30 to April 3, which raises questions about the availability of some Sri Lankan players. However, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera will be available for the full duration of the IPL, as they do not participate in the Test format.
The BCB has also informed the BCCI that “Taskin Ahmed and Md. Shoriful Islam, who have been listed for the auction, will not be available for the IPL 2024 edition.” Only three Bangladesh players (including Rahman) had featured in the auction register from Bangladesh.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Cricket West Indies (CWI), Cricket South Africa (CSA), New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have informed the BCCI that their players will be available for the entire duration of the IPL.
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“Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation” -PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya in her New Year message requested every Sri Lankan to resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation.
The full text of the PM’s message:
“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.
The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.
On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.
A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.
The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.
At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.
Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.
May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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