Sri Lanka ‘Bid For IPL Matches’

It has been reported that Sri Lanka is in talks to host Indian Premier League (IPL) games.

Cricinfo.com claims that the new president of Sri Lanka Cricket, Upali Dharmadasa, has identified the move as a key potential money-spinner for the international board

Dharmadasa is said to have opened up negotiations with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to host some of the Twenty20 league matches on the island.

The next edition of the controversial tournament, which launched in 2008 and has seen players sacrifice test cricket for the riches of the shorter form of the game, is already reputed have a brand value of $3.67 million.

Having accrued debts of approx $70 million, it appears that Sri Lanka Cricket want a piece of cricket’s cash cow to off-set their expenditure on new stadiums in Pallekele, Hambantota and the renovation of the Premadasa Stadium, Colombo prior to the 2011 ODI (One-Day International) World Cup.

Dharmadasa has already asked India to forego their three test schedule in Sri Lanka this July in favour of ODI and Twenty20 matches to raise funds.

The Sri Lankan president told BCCI president, N. Srinivasan, that test matches would be less financially beneficial to Sri Lanka.

Dharmadasa’s focus on limited overs cricket is now unquestionable.

The fifth IPL will commence of April 4th 2012 and run through until May 27th 2012.

 

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BREAKING NEWS It has just been announced that Sri Lanka has failed in their bid to host IPL matches with the release of this year’s IPL fixture list which, once again, will feature games across India alone. No explanation has yet been given for Dharmadasa’s request not being granted.