Sri Lanka have fallen behind due to lack of franchise-based tournament

Sri Lanka's newly appointed head of Lankan Premier League tournament, Russel Arnold says that the skill levels of country's players have fallen behind due to the lack of a competitive franchise-based tournament with the participation of overseas professionals.

Arnold, the 44-year-old former middle-order batsman, was announced as Director of LPL last week.

All Sri Lanka's south Asian neighbours have flourishing franchise based tournaments and Arnold is confident of creating a vibrant competition of Sri Lanka's own.

"We need something like this. We are falling behind our skill levels. There's a huge interest for franchise-based competition and that culture is there. It's a good opportunity for players to showcase their talent and get them play under pressure and develop their skill levels," Arnold told Cricbuzz.

SLC had launched Sri Lanka Premier League in 2011 but the tournament was unsuccessful and had to be abandoned a year later due to lack of sponsors. The board is careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"We need to make the tournament something that everyone looks forward to. Not just the players, but fans, owners and everyone. I am confident that we can make this a success. There's plenty of interest already and that excites me," Arnold added.

Arnold will be travelling to Malaysia on Monday night where the Asian Cricket Council is meeting. SLC officials are already there and Arnold will be introduced to key officials from the region as he takes charge in the new role. His work as tournament director begins on May 1.

SLC officials had earlier indicated that they were making inquiries from Board of Control for Cricket in India to see whether Indian players could be released for the tournament as that would help them to attract sponsors and television companies. BCCI hasn't provided No Objection Certificates for Indian players to take part in franchised based tournaments of other countries.

The LPL has been scheduled from August 18 to September 10. SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala had mentioned that SLC was looking at a six teams. However, at present, the board seems to be comfortable with five teams with the possibility of increasing it to six teams next season. SLC has separated a window for the LPL tournament for the next five years.

There's been quite a bit of interest on the tournament since it was first announced last year. But it remains to be seen whether the organizers are able to attract sponsors.

(CRICBUZZ)