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By Dinesh Weerawansa

The International Cricket Council's operation wing ICC Development (International) Limited, yesterday decided to release USD 500,000 held by the ICC from the dues to Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The ICC's IDI Executive Committee meeting in Monaco last night decided to release USD half a million held by them out of the payments to the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) over a player contract dispute and also to award more youth and junior level tours to Sri Lanka.

Contrary to local media reports early this week which said the ICC had released the money, the ICC only took the decision at last night's ICC Ex-co meeting in Monaco, in which Sri Lanka was represented by the BCCSL President, Thilanga Sumathipala.

Sumathipala, breaking the good news to the 'Daily News' immediately after yesterday's ICC executive board meeting, said it was one of the financial problem faced by the BCCSL. "I took the issue with the ICC officials and pointed out our side of the story, to which they listened. It was a great success considering the fact that the ICC itself is facing a tough financial battle with the large claim by the Global Cricket Corporation. I am happy that we were able to sort out our problem and our next aim is to iron out differences with WSG Nimbus and come to a settlement in the television rights case," Sumathipala said in an exclusive telephone conversation with the 'Daily News' last night.

Sumathipala is no stranger to international cricket community and is the third senior most member at the ICC Executive-Committee. His good relations with the world cricket officials and the ICC has helped Sri Lanka to get back nearly Rs. 50 million, which would have lost after Sri Lanka's previous BCCSL Interim Committee failed to follow the player contract deadlines set out by the ICC for the 2003 World Cup.

The Lankan cricket chief added that the USD 11 million claim by WSG Nimbus over a television dispute with the former BCCSL Interim committee, too will have to be settled. "It's big money which the BCCSL can not afford to pay and face a financial crisis. I will also try to talk to some officials here and get their support to reach a settlement with WSG Nimbus before the Singapore arbitration verdict due in September," Sumathipala said from Monaco.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket Board President has also been able to secure more youth and junior tours to Sri Lanka in a bid to promote our second string cricketers. At a time our national team is struggling hard, it is a good move to groom and test talented youngsters to fill future vacancies in the national team.

The ICC Board meeting yesterday has also approved several Under-19, Sri Lanka 'A' and Emerging trophy tournament series in Sri Lanka in the coming years. "I am happy that we were able to score for the game but have a huge task ahead to put Sri Lanka cricket back on right track. The ICC has approved 12 junior tours for Sri Lanka within the next three years," Sumathipala added during his conversation.

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