Sri Lanka aims to shine via Premier League - Heads turning attraction!

Heads turning attraction!

• Biggest sporting event in post-war Sri Lanka aims to boost future cricket talent at provinces; leisure and entertainment industry to get a fillip
• 21-day contest from 10 August involving local and global stars to be promoted as “village, country and the world” coming together as one to celebrate Sri Lanka’s passion
• MCC agrees for SLPL to be played under its Spirit of Cricket initiative

In 25 days or even before, cricket fever is certain to sweep the country, dwarfing any depressed sentiments over the economic downturn, bearish stock market  or focus on election, as promoters of Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) last night unveiled what they described as carnival of passion for this popular sport.

Primarily to boost future talent and facilities especially in rural areas, the SLPL will also give a welcome fillip to the country’s tourism, leisure and entertainment industry.
What was once a nonstarter amidst setbacks, the SLPL is finally happening and aims to be different to though smaller than India’s Premier League, now a global brand in sporting business. This relief or joy was very much evident when Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Upali Dharmadasa told media yesterday: “Despite the odds and after several years of difficult work, we did it.”
The 24-game contest, featuring seven teams named after select provinces of the country and involving 112 local and 56 global players, will begin on 10 August with a mega ceremony. The matches will be played in Colombo and Pallekelle.
Dharmadasa said that the SLPL would be a big boost for Under 21 cricketers, A team players, National Squad members and top stars locally as all would get an opportunity to play competitive cricket with some of the world’s best names in the Twenty 20 game.
“We hope to add two more provinces next year so that SLPL will encompass all nine provinces and with success as well as by achieving planned objectives, Sri Lanka Cricket will prosper in the future,” Dharmadasa said.
Apart from being an ICC-approved tournament, SLPL also announced that it would be played under the MCC Spirit of Cricket initiative, which promotes fair, competitive and enjoyable game by captains, players and umpires.
MCC blessings were conveyed by MCC World Cricket Committee Member and test cricket’s number one batsman Kumar Sangakkara.
He said MCC was happy that SLPL would be played under its Spirit of Cricket with the only other being IPL.
Playing within MCC Spirit of Cricket also requires SLPL to incorporate ICC’s Anti Doping and Anti Corruption procedures.
The SLPL has thus far been a success by attracting $ 30 million in bids for the seven provincial franchises for seven years with an average price of US$ 4.33 m each. The seven franchises and their icon players are Basnahira (Western) Province – Tillakaratne Dilshan; Kandurata (Central) Province – Kumar Sangakkara, Nagenahira (Eastern) Province –  Angelo Matthews; Ruhuna (Southern) Province –  Lasith Malinga; Uthura (Northern) Province – Muttiah Muralitharan; Uva (South East) Province  –  Chris Gayle and Wayamba (North West) Province – Mahela Jayawardena.

Each Provincial team/Franchise shall comprise of a squad of 18 players, of which 12 players shall be Sri Lankan players (of which at least two players will be Under-21 Sri Lankan players) and the remaining six players shall all be overseas players.
Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Mahela Jayawardena said SLPL would be a great opportunity for the younger generation. “I wish I had this opportunity about 15 years ago,” he said, adding that mixing with senior locals and world players would add great value for youngsters.
“Whilst SLPL can focus on being financially successful, there must be intent and commitment to harness young talent, improve facilities in outstations and encourage more rural youth to come to the limelight,” emphasised Mahela. This was also endorsed by Sanga during his remarks.
“We are on the right path through a lot of hard work and challenges remain,” Mahela added.
Music sensations Bathiya and Santhush have been appointed as Brand Ambassadors for SLPL whilst the theme song has been composed and produced by local stars and is sung in Sinhala, Tamil and English as well as in Hindi. The media also had a sneak preview of the marketing communication campaign to make the tournament a success.
The key message SLPL aims to drive is that whilst the 1996 World Cup victory took the village (rural talent) to the world, SLPL would bring the world to the village to celebrate Sri Lanka’s passion for cricket. The communication campaign also emphasises on SLPL bringing the village, the country and the world together.
Santhush said music and cricket were forms of art as well and involved creativity whilst Bathiya said he was waiting impatiently for the Sri Lankan version of IPL to happen.
Indian-born cricket enthusiast and entrepreneur Sandeep Bhammer promoted Sommerset Entertainment Ventures as the livewire behind the SLPL becoming a reality.
“For me cricket is one passion and the other is Sri Lanka,” Sandeep said, reminiscing on his experience as a Under 15 cricketer dropping Sachin Tendulkar during a school match, how much he wanted Sri Lanka to win the 1996 World Cup, etc. “Getting a chance to combine the two passions of cricket and Sri Lanka is a dream come true for me and my team,” said Sandeep. 
He also said that with the end of the war, Sri Lanka deserved to be in the international limelight and bask in its glory. “It is about time the world took notice of Sri Lanka and I am confident that via SLPL this will happen,” he added.
Whilst assuring great T20 cricket via SLPL, he however admitted that there could be a few hiccups as nothing happens perfectly. Sommerset Entertainment Ventures is drawing a line-up of entertainment comprising live bands, DJs, cheer leaders, giant screens, food and beverages, etc., which will create a carnival atmosphere during the matches.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Legal Consultant and SLPL Core Committee Member Harsha Ameresekera assured that all possible safeguards had been taken to ensure there would be no fallout regarding payment of fees for players, with franchises having to submit bank guarantees for the entire cost of contracted players before the tournament starts.
Sri Lanka Cricket Treasurer Nuski Mohamed said that whilst income from franchises would be shared equally by SLC and Sommerset, expenditure on staging matches would receive a contribution from each Franchise as well.
SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said SLPL would be conducted at a loss and emphasised the SLPL’s value was greater if the boost for young players and the country as a whole was factored in.