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Sri Lanka has contained the novel coronavirus pandemic well as their cricket board is looking to take advantage of the situation to host the Lankan Premier League. The board is seeking to host the Lankan Premier League in 2020 with foreign players, but with most foreign borders closed, it looks unlikely.
Currently, each of India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the West Indies, and South Africa have their versions of franchise leagues. In the past, various boards in Sri Lanka have tried to start a premier league in the country but failed to get it going, but the island nation looks contended for the tournament in 2020.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva is looking to speak to their president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for a final decision on the tournament. Silva also said that their country had done well to endure the pandemic, and a lot of foreign players have shown their interests to participate in the league.
“We’re hoping to speak to His Excellency (President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) and see if we can come to a decision,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“Sri Lanka has done very well in containing the coronavirus as opposed to other countries in the region, and as such, we have had a lot of interest from foreign players in taking part in the tournament.”
It is understood that the league will be played between 5 teams with 23 matches to take place between August 8 to 22.
The board had once managed to get the tournament going in 2012, which was attended by low crowds and did not see much fanfare.
