SLPL: UVA Next yet to pay its foreign recruits

Most of the overseas players participating in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) cricket tournament have received 25 per cent of their fees from the respective franchises although one of them, Uva Next, is yet to fulfill its contractual obligations.

According to a report in the 'Express' newspaper, most of the 56 foreign players taking part in the league have been paid 25 percent of their total fees at the start of the tournament and are expected to get another 25 percent next week.

The report said the Sri Lankan board (SLC) had told the UVA Next franchise to come up with the initial payment this week.

Pakistan's star all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, who is playing for Ruhuna Royals confirmed from Colombo to the newspaper that he had received 25 per cent of his fees.

Apparently taking a lesson from the issue of unpaid dues to overseas players who took part in the Bangladesh Premier League, the Federation of International Cricketers'

Associations (FICA) in conjunction with the local association has got some clauses included in the players contracts that lay out very clearly schedule of payments.

"The remaining 50 per cent of payment to the players has to be made soon after the last match of the tournament is held," the newspaper said.

It reported that most of the overseas players were happy with the arrangements and facilities in the SLPL compared to the BPL.

"This time the organisers of the SLPL also appear to be very cautious and eager to ensure no payment issues arise during and after the event," the report said.