Abeysundera planning to take control of Leicestershire CC

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Sri Lanka’s Sarath Abeysundera the millionaire president of Everards Premier Division Side ‘Ilston Abey’ is planning to take control of the Leicestershire Cricket Club in England.

The 59 year old textile baron is serious about the matter and declared that the time is ripe for Leicestershier to become England’s first professional Asian Club. Abey, as he is known surprised many in 1995 by buying his own cricket ground in the heart of Fernie Hunt county.

He then established an all Sri Lankan team which shot through the lower divisions of Leicestershire’s Everard League and now occupies a place in the premier division.

Abeysundera is weighing up his options as he considers in getting involved with Leicestershire. He is presently talking with his lawyers after been approached by a number of Asian businessmen who are interested in contributing to the club.

However Abeysundera said that he knows a take over is not an option because of the club’s constitution.

“Leicestershire is a members club and you cannot take it over. However it is not a private establishment and if the members want to change they can vote. If the members want to put me forward they cannot say no to it”.

Abeysundera noted that interest from other people has given him food for thought.

He said that many people are not happy the manner in which the county is run by the present management. Over the years I declined but now I am giving a serious thought of it and making a move. The Leicestershire club is suffering of not having a good management and also do not have a good infrastructure”.

“There are a lot of Asians in Leicestershire who wants to make sure that their team emerge as a top club in the United Kingdom.

They are prepared to invest money if I come forward. I will look into all areas and make a decision during the next two months”.

Abeysundera said that he had a dream always to be the chairman of the Leicestershire county. He said that it is also good for Sri Lankan cricket and soon there will be many Lankans playing in Liecstershire.

In fact he has spoken to about 15 players and have already shortlisted four Sri Lankan players who will be playing in Leicestershire next season.

The nominations for the Liecestershire Cricket Club close on November 31 with the annual general meeting scheduled for March next year.