Sri Lankan Board pleads to let Indians play in SLPL
What's the story
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Board has opted to hold its T20 league, the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL), in August.
The SLPL has been short of star power since its inception and to correct this, SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala wants the BCCI to allow the non-contracted players to participate in their T20 league.
With Indian players' participation, SLPL wants to change its fortunes.
Quote
BCCI should let players participate in our League: SLC President
"We would like BCCI to allow players who are outside the 30 contracted players list to play...I can understand the contracted top players playing for the country should be protected and there are 100 of talented players in India." SLC President said.
Valid argument
BCCI shouldn't deny cricketers an opportunity
Thilanga Sumathipala believes it is fair on the BCCI's part to protect its top 30-40 players by not letting them play too much of franchise cricket.
However, he claims that the SLPL is a brilliant opportunity for retired cricketers and for those players, who have fallen out of favour from the national team.
He says the BCCI shouldn't deprive them of opportunities.
New spring of life
Sri Lankan Premier League to be revived this year
Sri Lankan Cricket Board has had several problems with its T20 league.
Originally scheduled to kick off in 2011, the event got cancelled and replaced with 2011 Inter-Provincial Twenty20.
Finally, in 2012, the inaugural edition was held but it didn't achieve much success.
In 2014, Super 4's T20 replaced the tournament but now in 2018, the board plans to start it once again.