LPL, a new talent search in local cricket

Thushan Jayasuriya

Lanka Premier League(LPL), is about to set a new trend in the country with its first cricket soft ball league series which will be worked off in Colombo. The event will be organized by LPL Entertainments(Pvt) Ltd and the cost of this project worth about Rs 8.9 millions.

The main objective of organizing this cricket series is to prove the world that Sri Lanka has the talent to match the top countries like India, Pakistan and West Indies where cricket is played at top level.

Present Sri Lankan stars like Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis shot up to fame and started there professional carriers while playing soft ball cricket. Chaminda Vaas, Sajeewa Silva, Chamara Silva, Thilina Thushara and Indika De Saram have also played soft ball cricket.

This concept is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and through this concept, budding talented young cricketers could prove their talents and get an ideal opportunity to improve their skills.

All top division players will be included in LPL and they will be natured and trained before commencement of the league. 12 teams will be fielded in the tournament and each team will consist of 10 best players.

After the qualifying rounds the players will be selected to the teams through a bidding process. Every player will be catagorized and to be auctioned after stage one.The tournament is to be played under lights in Colombo for three days and will be aired live. All matches to be played on league basis and the top four teams will get the chance to play in the semi-finals.

The Champions of this tournament will receive Rs 500,000 in cash with the Challenge trophy while the runner-up will receive Rs 300,000 along with the trophy. Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Man of the Final and Series will also be rewarded with cash awards. Man of the Series will receive a motor car or motor cycle.

Ten qualifying round matches to be worked out in all areas commencing on April 20 at Railway Grounds, Dematagoda.