Sir Vivian, Wasim Akram and Jayasuriya as brand ambassadors of LPL 3

Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Mohan de Silva (centre) addressing the media conference to launch LPL-3. Assistant Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte and LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela are also present

• Mickey Arthur returns as coach of Galle Gladiators

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

The third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) that is due to kick-off on 6 December is expected to be bigger and brighter than the first two editions with the organisers Sri Lanka Cricket along with the official rights holder IPG naming three cricketing legends as brand ambassadors to add more value to the tournament.

At a media conference held at Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters yesterday to launch the third edition of LPL, the tournament’s new director Samantha Dodanwela stated that Sir Vivian Richards, Wasim Akram and Sanath Jayasuriya would be the brand ambassadors of the tournament which will run from 6-23 December at three venues Hambantota, Kandy and Colombo.

“We had two editions in the last two years and in the first year we had a lot of obstacles and challenges. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic when the entire world was shut down SLC was successful in conducting a very good tournament. I should thank SLC and IPG for coming forward during that time for in a couple of months they were able to put everything in place,” stated Dodanwela.

“Edition two last year we also had to face a lot of challenges but once again we were successful in overcoming all the obstacles and had a very good tournament. The third edition which is going to happen next month is going to be more challenging, the reason being the economic crisis that the country is facing. 

“When most of these owners came in 2020 the dollar was at around 202-210 whereas today it has gone up due to the rupee getting devalued or the dollar depreciating to around 355. So, the total amount an owner will have to pay will be very much more than the first two years. It is not an easy task to find sponsors but with all that we have been successful in finding sponsors and the owners to commence the tournament on 6 December.”

Speaking further, Dodanwela said: “Following the postponement of the LPL from its original date in August a few overseas players have backed out because they have committed themselves to play in other franchises, but we have found good replacements for them. 

“Players from India are not coming and if we had held the tournament as scheduled in August players from England and Australia were also due to come. They have pulled out because of the Big Bash, but players from the rest of the countries are coming.”

Dodanwela said that due to injuries to some Sri Lankan players and the non-availability of Danushka Gunathilaka, they have allowed the franchises to pick new players.

“The owners have agreed and without a draft the selectors have given the names of 10-12 players to replace them. The rest of the players will remain the same as picked during the Player Draft. Also Mickey Arthur, who was the national team’s former coach is returning to coach Galle Gladiators. We should be truly proud to have a person of his status returning to Sri Lanka as a coach.”

SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva said that they had two very successful tournaments where there have been multiple benefits accrued to SLC and the country and opportunities created for young and emerging players to gain more exposure and experience. “Other commercial benefits evolving the activities of the LPL with hotel rooms, transport, and many players and visitors had also accrued.” (ST)