Glamorgan County Cricket Club has signed Sri Lankan pace bowler Asitha Fernando for the start of the 2025 season. Fernando, who has significant international experience, will join the team for the first seven County Championship Division Two matches, pending a No-Objection Certificate. His addition aims to enhance Glamorgan’s bowling strength as he becomes the club’s first Sri Lankan player.
Glamorgan County Cricket Club has officially signed Sri Lankan pace bowler Asitha Fernando for the commencement of the 2025 season. The 27-year-old cricketer is set to join the Welsh team for the initial seven matches of the County Championship Division Two, contingent upon acquiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. Fernando, recognized as a leading bowler in all three formats, is expected to reinforce Glamorgan’s bowling attack significantly.
In expressing his gratitude, Fernando stated, “I would like to thank Glamorgan Cricket so much for this opportunity. I am extremely thrilled to be a part of Glamorgan and to return to the county cricket scene this year.” He further reflected on his previous tenure in county cricket, noting its beneficial impact on his development as a player. Fernando anticipates collaborating with fellow players such as Mason Crane and Colin Ingram, aiming to contribute effectively to the team in the upcoming season.
Having made his international debut in July 2017 against Zimbabwe, Asitha Fernando progressively established himself within the international arena, earning his Test debut against South Africa in January 2021. He achieved his inaugural five-wicket haul in Test cricket against Bangladesh in May 2022 and recorded a remarkable performance with figures of 5-102 in August 2024 versus England at Lord’s, subsequently entering the prestigious Lord’s honours board. This achievement elevated him to eighth place in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test bowling rankings.
Mark Wallace, the director of cricket for Glamorgan, expressed enthusiasm regarding Fernando’s signing, stating, “We’re delighted to be able to welcome a bowler of Asitha’s quality to Sophia Gardens for the start of the 2025 season.” He emphasized Fernando’s valuable experience in UK conditions from previous county engagements and his impressive performances during the recent series against England. With this signing, Fernando is poised to become the first Sri Lankan player to represent Glamorgan, signifying a notable milestone for the club.
The signing of Asitha Fernando by Glamorgan marks a significant moment in the club’s history as it welcomes its first Sri Lankan player. Fernando brings considerable experience from his international career, highlighting his growth and achievements in the cricketing world. The context of cricket in England and the emphasis on county championships make this signing particularly relevant, as Glamorgan seeks to enhance its competitiveness in Division Two of the County Championship. His previous performance at Lord’s and during international matches further underscores his potential contributions to the team.
In conclusion, Glamorgan’s acquisition of Asitha Fernando is a strategic move aimed at strengthening their bowling lineup for the upcoming 2025 season. Fernando’s impressive track record, coupled with his experience in both international and county cricket, positions him as a valuable asset for Glamorgan. His excitement about joining the team and the recognition from Mark Wallace herald a promising chapter for the club as it prepares for the season ahead.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
