Lanka Premier League given go-ahead, says sports minister

Namal Rajapaksa tweeted that the ministry of health and Covid-19 taskforce had given the green-light for the competition to go ahead

The Lanka Premier League has been given the go-ahead, according to Sri Lanka’s sports minister.

Namal Rajapaksa tweeted that the ministry of health and Covid-19 taskforce had given the green-light for the competition to go ahead, with the decision an indication of the government’s desire to see the country to return to “normalcy whilst adhering to ministry of health guidelines”.

The news comes after Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva told Daily FT on Monday that he was “a little worried”, with the health authorities at that stage not yet having granted permission for the inaugural edition of the tournament to move forward.

However, tournament director Ravin Wickramaratne has confirmed that the competition will now be held solely at the Mahinda Rajapaksa stadium in Hambantota.

It has also been reported that the league could now begin on November 27 rather than November 21.

.@MoH_SriLanka & #COVID task force have given the green-light to go ahead with #LPL2020 @OfficialSLC.Thankful to HE @GotabayaR & Hon. @PresRajapaksa.This is indicatory of the govts commitment to adapt to #NewNormal &return the country to normalcy whilst adhering to MoH guidelines

— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) November 5, 2020

“Holding of the tournament in Hambantota and in one venue, enhances our plan of setting up and maintaining an effective bio-secure bubble, and with the approval coming from the government, we are now confident of going ahead with the tournament,” said Wickramaratne.

Jaffna Stallions owner Brindon Bagirathan, a healthcare entrepreneur, told The Cricketer on Tuesday that his franchise is “prepared for all eventualities”.

“We are working tirelessly with Sri Lanka Cricket,” he said. “The health and safety for players, management and staff is paramount. We are positive that IPG (Innovation Production Group, who are the tournament’s official rights holder) and SLC are able to execute a successful tournament.

“We are ready as a franchise but are also prepared for all eventualities. Being a franchise that is UK-owned, we will be communicating and seeking guidance from ECB and PCA (Professional Cricketers’ Association) to ensure all activities are done professionally.”