SLC ‘unloves’ Kandy franchise owners ahead of LPL 5
The new owners of Kandy are keen to retain Wanindu, Mathews and few others
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has ended the contract of Kandy franchise owners, the reigning champions of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), due to breaches of contractual obligations, as confirmed by SLC this week. B-Love Network, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency business, owned the franchise. Operating an online forex business is illegal in Sri Lanka, prompting scrutiny when the company acquired the franchise last season.
Despite B-Love Kandy, led by current Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga, clinching the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League last year, SLC opted to sever ties with the company, despite their desire
to continue.
Reports indicate that the company failed to fulfill contractual obligations, such as non-payment of franchise fees in full, leaving an unpaid bill at a five-star hotel among other issues at the end of the fourth edition. Following careful deliberation, a termination notice was issued to the franchise two weeks ago.
“Three franchises have changes in their respective ownership. Two — Galle and Dambulla — have found new owners with good credentials. They have been renamed as Galle Marvels and Dambulla Titans. But the Kandy franchise is yet to finalise the ownership,” stated LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela at a press briefing in Colombo on Friday.
B-Love Network, owned by businessman Omar Khan, also known as OK, has sponsored the T20 cricket series between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah 2023, and is the official sponsor of the Pakistan Super League 8 phase.
It is understood that organisers are in discussions with potential new owners, with their Know Your Customer (KYC) documents submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Approximately two interested parties have emerged to acquire the franchise, with the suitable candidate to be finalised upon obtaining ICC clearance.
“There are two potential takers, both parties have shown great interest in taking over the Kandy franchise. Negotiations are still underway, and we will be able to finalise everything in a day or two, most probably before the player auction scheduled for Tuesday,” Dodanwela added.
Despite SLC’s termination of the franchise ownership, the new owners will be requested to retain team captain Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, and Kamindu Mendis at the same price they were acquired for last year. Each team can retain a maximum of six players.