SLC rich with SLRC millions

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Pramodya –tipped as selector

Sri Lankas Premier Cricket Tournament tagged the ‘Premier League’ will take a new dimension this year following Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) successfully securing the sponsorship of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and a leading Communication Company.

As a result of the double sponsorship the ten clubs competing in the Premier League are expected to get a host of benefits which will also include direct financial benefits for their players.

According to a highly placed source at SLC the sponsorship deal with the National Television network was signed for SL Rupees 15 million for a five year period while negotiations with the Communication Company will be finalized shortly for a sum of around SL Rupees one hundred million.

Taking a step further SLC is also planning to issue central contracts to all premier league players. Currently SLC has centrally contracted only around twelve players. It is believed that Premier League clubs will receive around SL Rupees Ten million for a season. As a part of the sponsorship SLRC will have a highlight package on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for one hour and will also telecast certain matches live. This years’ Premier League Cricket Tournament is expected to kick-off in November.

Twenty-20

Meanwhile the Sri Lanka squad for the Twenty-20 World cup is expected to meet their new coach Trevor Bayliss and Assistant Coach tomorrow and begin preparations on Tuesday. All players who were overseas on short county contracts are scheduled to return to the island. The 15 member squad will leave for South Africa on September 15.

Pramodya –tipped as selector

Minister of Sports Gamini Lokuge is expected to pick the name of the 4th selector and inform SLC this week. The names of Jayantha Seneviratne, Flavian Aponso, Graeme Labrooy and Pramodya Wickremasinghe have been sent by SLC to the Sports Minister. The Sunday Times learns from reliable sources that Pramodya Wickremasinghe is very likely to get the green light from the Minister to join Ashantha de Mel, Ranjith Madurusinghe and Don Anurasiri.

Murali’s lawyers demand 750 m

The lawyers of Muttiah Muralitharan have already issued a letter of demand to Bishen Singh Bedi requesting for SL Rupees 750 million for derogatory remarks cast by him.

According to Murai’s manager Kushil Gunasekera the letter of demand was sent to Bedi’s residence in Delhi via courier, registered post and e-mail.

Murali’s lawyers Romesh de Silva and Dinal Phillips have given the former Indian Skipper two weeks to respond, and if not they will take the matter to Courts.