“The last time we tried it, it didn’t go that well”; Mahela answers to fan’s hopeful question about a franchise cricket league in SL
In an exclusive interview with NewsWire, Sri Lanka’s former cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena shared his memories and thoughts enthusiastically and frankly about cricket in Sri Lanka and in general.
In a query posted by a fan during the Facebook live interview, Mahela was asked as to why can’t Sri Lanka organize a proper T20 franchise tournament, as SLC had done so with SLPL.
“We’ve done that once, in 2012. We’ve had a league. But obviously the structure, the people who got involved were not the right people. When you’re doing something like that, you need to think about the structure and what you’re going to get out of that”, Mahela stated in reply.
“If it’s an investment to find new players and give the players some exposure, then that should be funded by Sri Lanka Cricket. If it’s done for commercial purposes, then it’s a different path you’re taking”, he added, explaining as to the reasons why SLPL wasn’t a huge success.
Speaking further about franchise cricket, when the host asked the IPL franchise’s cricket team Mumbai Indians’ head coach about potential plans to host this year’s IPL edition in Sri Lanka, Mahela said that it all depends on the prevailing situation in India.
Explaining about the procedures and strict measures to be followed with regard to Indian local players and international players who’ll be taking part in IPL, specifically in line with quarantine process and other necessary and relevant measures, he said that if Sri Lankan authorities can provide a safer and sound environment, there is a chance for the IPL to be played in Sri Lanka, although the IPL management’s initial response implied a “NO”.