Glamorgan County Cricket Club has signed Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando for the 2025 season, pending a No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket. Excited about the opportunity, Fernando aims to bring his experience and prowess to the team; he has notable achievements in both ODI and Test formats, including multiple five-wicket hauls.
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 contribute during the first seven matches in the County Championship Division Two, contingent upon receipt of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. Fernando, known for his prowess across all formats of the game, promises to bolster Glamorgan’s bowling unit significantly.
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 recalled the notable improvement in his game during his previous stint in county cricket and articulated his enthusiasm for collaborating with team members such as Mason Crane and Colin Ingram, aiming to deliver his best performance in the upcoming season.
Fernando made his international debut in July 2017 against Zimbabwe in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and participated in his first Test match against South Africa in January 2021. He achieved his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket during a match against Bangladesh in May 2022, securing six wickets for 51 runs. Furthermore, in August 2024, he claimed his second five-wicket haul (5-102) during a Test at Lord’s against England, thereby becoming the second Sri Lankan to feature on the Lord’s honours board, a testament to his exceptional skills.
Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s Director of Cricket, expressed enthusiasm about Fernando’s arrival, citing his valuable experience from both county cricket and his performance in the series against England last summer. Wallace stated, “We’re delighted to be able to welcome a bowler of Asitha’s quality to Sophia Gardens for the start of the 2025 season. Asitha has good experience of conditions in the UK having played county cricket previously…” He voiced anticipation for Fernando’s involvement as the first Sri Lankan to represent the club.
The signing of Asitha Fernando by Glamorgan marks a significant addition to the team’s bowling lineup for the 2025 season. Given his established performance in international cricket, particularly his achievements in recent series, Fernando is expected to enhance the competitive edge of Glamorgan in the County Championship Division Two. His previous experience in county cricket and impressive statistics in international matches underlie the club’s decision to recruit him.
In summary, Glamorgan’s acquisition of Asitha Fernando signifies a strategic move to strengthen their bowling attack ahead of the 2025 season. As a versatile pacer with considerable experience and recent successes in international cricket, Fernando is poised to make a substantial impact on the team. His commitment to improving and integrating with his new teammates also reflects positively on the future prospects for Glamorgan in the upcoming season.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
