Sri Lanka Cricket Likely to Postpone The Inaugural Edition of The Lanka Premier League

The inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) might be postponed again as the authorities are yet to receive permission from the government to host the marquee league despite the restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has already postponed and rescheduled the league two times since May.

The squads has already been announced after the auction and total 30 overseas player will feature in the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The League is scheduled to get underway from November 21 and will conclude on December 13. However, now as per records Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is struggling to receive permission from the ministry of Health.

“We are a little worried about this LPL, as the health authorities have not still granted us permission. Monday (today) would be the latest, otherwise, we may have to postpone it. The postponement means a lot of extra costs and player availability will become a question again, as they will have other commitments if the dates are changed,” said SLC secretary Mohan de Silva as quoted by India Today.

De Silva further added that tournament will be played across only two venues namely Hambantota and Pallekele and the players will stay in a biosecure bubble.

“In fact, we had a number of discussions with the health authorities before writing to them for permission. The cricket will take place only in Hambantota and Pallekele, where the players will go into a bio-bubble. They will travel from Mattala airport to their hotel and from their hotel to the ground and back again.”

“All this has been planned and discussed earlier with the authorities, including the security, army and health. Most of the players taking part in the IPL are coming from bubble to bubble,” he added.

“We have decided on the dates and we have sought health clearance. We have written to the health authorities and are waiting for their response. Hopefully, we should get it on Monday (today),” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said.