Sri Lanka Premier League attracts $30 million for 7 teams
The seven Sri Lanka Premier League teams have been auctioned at an average price of $US4.3 million, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Tuesday as the first step in the conduct of the SLPL in August was successfully completed.
- Wisden India Staff
- Updated: August 18, 2014 10:22 PM IST
The seven Sri Lanka Premier League teams have been auctioned at an average price of $US4.3 million, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Tuesday as the first step in the conduct of the SLPL in August was successfully completed. The reserve price had been set at $US3 million each.
"I am pleased to announce that bids were received in respect of all seven teams, at average price of $US4.3 million per bid," Vajira Dassanayake, a SLC official, was quoted as saying by PTI.
The names of the successful bidders for the seven teams will only be announced after ratification by the executive committee of SLC. The seven franchises were not sold outright but instead have been leased for a seven-year period. After seven years, the franchises can either sign a fresh agreement or choose to exercise the first right of refusal.
The SLPL is scheduled to start on August 10 with the final to be held on August 31. The 24 matches will be split between the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
The inaugural SLPL last year had to be called off at the last minute due to the non-availability of Indian players. This time around, SLC has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead, irrespective of whether Indian players are involved or not.
The teams will be finalised after a player draft process on July 5 and 6. As of now, SLC has announced Sri Lankan icon players for five of the seven teams. The remaining two icon players will be international stars whose names will be disclosed later. The icon players are Tillakaratne Dilshan (Basnahira Bears), Kumar Sangakkara (Kandurata Kites), Lasith Malinga (Ruhuna Rhinos), Muttiah Muralidaran (Uthura Oryxes) and Mahela Jayawardena (Wayamba Wolves), the national captain. Nagenahira Nagas and Uva Unicorns will have overseas stars as their icon players.