Ahead Of India vs Sri Lanka Series, SL's Former U19 Captain Dhammika Niroshana Shot Dead

In a tragic and terrifying incident, Sri Lanka where the nation's former under-19 cricket team captain, Dhammika Niroshana was reportedly shot dead last night. According to the reports, Dhammika Niroshana was at his Kanda Mawatha residence, along with his wife and two children in Ambalangoda, when some unidentified assailant killed him.

Soon after the incident, police reached the spot and started investigating the high-profile matter. It was learned shooter used a 12-bore firearm to kill Dhammika Niroshana. His body has been sent for autopsy test and police is scanning CCTV cameras installed outside his house and in nearby areas.

Niroshana represented Sri Lanka in 12 first-class matches and 8 List-A games for the Galle Cricket Club between 2001 and 2004.

He was a fine all-rounder, who notched more than 300 runs and picked up 19 wickets during his career.

The news of Dhammika Niroshana's killing was confirmed by another Sri Lankan cricketer, Amila Kalugalage with a post on the micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter.

"This is Dhammika Niroshan. Former Sri Lanka U19 captain. Maharoof, Angelo, Upul, and few top players played under his leadership for a few years. For me he is one of the most promising genuine fast bowling all-arounders 🇱🇰 had. Unfortunately, choose not to continue cricket at 20," Amila Kalugalage said in his post while praying for the deceased cricketer's soul to rest in peace.

The news of the Sri Lankan player's killing has raised everyone's eyebrows, especially Indian cricket fans as the Men in Blue is scheduled to tour the island nation in a couple of weeks.

Team India is slated to play 3 T20s and 3 ODI matches with Sri Lanka starting from July 27, 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to announce names for the Indian squad that will travel to Sri Lanka. However, news of the killing of a player may force BCCI officials to think again and could cancel the tour keeping the security and safety of Indian players in mind.