For as long as I can remember, every major ICC tournament has meant one thing—Sri Lanka, clad in blue and gold, battling it out on the world stage. It meant nail-biting finishes, unexpected upsets, and moments of sheer brilliance that turned our island nation into a cricketing powerhouse. But this year? This year, the Champions Trophy feels different.
It’s empty. Hollow. Incomplete.
Since 1996, up until now, a tiny island with a population of 22 million, has been a powerhouse when it comes to cricket, more so in major ICC events, World Champions in 1996, ODI World Cup Semi-Finalists in 2003, ODI World Cup Finalists in 2007 and 2011, T20 World Cup Finalists in 2009 and 2012, and T20 World Champions in 2014, ICC Champions Trophy Joint Champs in 2002. Still, lo and behold come the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, forget being in the Semi and Finals, we, Sri Lanka, are not even in the Tournament.
When the groups were announced and Sri Lanka’s name was missing, it felt like a gut punch, even though we had been aware since that dismal performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup that we failed to qualify for this Tournament, it felt gut-wrenching. For a cricket-obsessed nation like ours, not seeing our team in a major ICC event is unthinkable. It’s the kind of heartbreak that lingers—not just for the players but for every fan who has lived and breathed Sri Lankan cricket.
As a content creator, my world revolves around cricket. Usually, my TikTok feed would be flooded with Sri Lanka’s highlights—big sixes, magical deliveries, and iconic celebrations. I’d break down match-ups, analyze our chances, and rally fans behind our boys. But this time? I’m watching from the outside, covering a tournament that doesn’t feature my team. It’s a strange, almost surreal feeling.
But what hurts most isn’t just missing out—it’s knowing that we belong there no matter what some fans believe I am certain we belong there. Yesteryear Sri Lankan teams has always been a beast in World Tournaments, whether it be as underdogs or favourites. that has defied expectations time and time again. We’ve beaten the biggest teams on the biggest stages, its been that spirit to fight that has been lacking in the recent past, and we have paid the price more often than not, like missing a global event after 50 odd years. If this is not a wake-up calll, a moment of reckoning for Sri Lankan cricket I dont know what is
The Champions Trophy will go on. There will be thrilling games, stunning performances, and new champions crowned. But for Sri Lankan fans, it won’t be the same. We won’t have that shared excitement, that unshakable hope that this might be our year.
But here’s what I do know—Sri Lanka will be back. We’ve faced setbacks before, and we’ve always risen, whether it be Cricket or life as Sri Lankans, we are a resilient nation. This should serve as motivation for the players, the board, and every aspiring young cricketer on the island. Missing this tournament hurts, but it should never happen again.
For now, I’ll watch. I’ll cover the games. I’ll enjoy the sport I love. But deep down, I’ll be waiting—for the moment when Sri Lanka returns to where it belongs. Because when that happens, it won’t just be another tournament. It will be redemption. And trust me, that moment will be worth the wait.
