Quality of the Cricket in SLPL impress Azar Mahamood

Former Pakistan all-rounder turned British citizen,Azar Mahmood in an interview spoke about the experience in SLPL,
When he asked to compare the other leagues with SLPL he said,"The quality of cricket is quite good. I have played in Bangladesh, India and other leagues and I'd say the local stars here are very talented. But if there is a downside, that's lack of crowd at the stadiums. But I guess this is the inaugural edition and it will slowly build up." 

'SLPL experience can help players'

The Bangladesh vice-captain Mahmudullah Riyad believes that playing in the ongoing Sri Lanka Premier (SLPL) will help the players when it comes to taking part in the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in Sri Lanka from September 18.
“It was a good experience to play in the SLPL. I missed the first Eid with my baby but as a professional cricketer it's my duty because it's the bread and butter for me.

"Laxman was one of the finest players of our times" says Mahela

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene on Monday paid tribute to Indian veteran VVS Laxman, who recently retired from international cricket, saying that the game will be poorer without one of the finest players of this generation.
"Laxman was one of the finest players of our times and world cricket will miss him. He has contributed a lot to the game and to his country's success," Jayawardene said in an media interaction at the sidelines of Sri Lanka Premier League.

Hafeez impressed with Mahela's Captaincy

Mohammad Hafeez, who will lead Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World T20, is also one of their more media-savvy cricketers. An aggressive opening batsman, a useful off-spinner and one of the better fielders, After completing his tenure in SLPL he shared his views on SLPL in an interview. Following are the Excerpts from the interview when he left the SLPL.

Ashraful to play in SLPL

Bangladesh batsman Mohammad Ashraful will play for Ruhuna Royals in the ongoing Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL).
The right-hander, who was scheduled to leave England yesterday for Colombo, became the fifth Bangladeshi player to take part in the T20 competition in Sri Lanka after Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tamim Iqbal and Nasir Hossain.

All 7 teams has a chance to qualify for the Semi Finals in SLPL

After the 2nd week matches in SLPL all 7 teams in the tournament has a statistical chance to qualify for the Semi Finals.
Waymba United which won all 4 matches is the only team to secure a place in the last 4 at the moment.

KENT released Azhar Mahmood for SLPL

Kent have been released Azhar Mahmood to allow him to take part in the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) for Wayamba United for the next two weeks.
The competition concludes on August 31, following which Azhar will be available for Kent for the remainder of the season.
Due to expected Indian Premier League and now SLPL commitments, the club also confirmed that Mahmood's contract for 2013 will not now be renewed - but discussions regarding a possible twenty20 contract remain live.

Mahela asked me to play ICC World T20 - Muralitharan

Mahela  had asked me to play World T20, but for me, if you're retired, you've retired. Youngsters pin their hopes on these tournaments to shine. I don't play domestic cricket anymore.  I don't want to spoil the image I have by going back to international cricket. I have the memories and a satisfying end to my career. The Uthura Rudras' icon player in the ongoing SLPL, Muttiah Muralitharan said to Hindustan Times.

Nagenhira tops the table in the first week of the touranment

After the first round matches in Colombo Nagenahira Nagas are in the top of the table in the points table with 2 wins out of 2 matches they played. Uthura Rudras and Kandurata Warriors are yet win a game.

Kumar Sangakkara in the Commentary Box

Kandurata Warriors Icon player and Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara was seen in the the commentary box in the match between Uthura Rudras and Ruhuna Royals Today played at R Premadasa Stadium. It was the first time Kumar Sangakkara commentated in a International media. As expected it is very pleasing to listen to him when commentating. His Knowledge along with his fluency in English made him stand out in the commentary box. Kumar's view on cricketer's perspective was something new for the viewers and it was very enjoyable. Viewers will have the opportunity to listen to the Kumar throughout the SLPL.     

SLPL Teams Preview - Uthura Rudras

Team with few stars hope youth and enthusihasm will bring them the glory in SLPL. Uthura Rudras had some surprising choices in SLPL player draft as they picked lot of low key players.Only big name they picked was Shakib and he is out with injury left them with Icon Player Murali as their main high profile player.

Nagenahira Nagas won by 5 wickets first SLPL match

Nagenahira Nagas won by 5 wickets (D/L) against Ruhuna Royals in the first match of SLPL played in Colombo.
Ruhuna Royals just manged to score 134 in their 20 overs. Lahiru Thirimanne 34 top scored. Sahid Afridi run out after scoring 18 of 12 balls with huge six. Saminda Eranga ball brilliantly and took 3 wickets for 15 in his 4 overs.
Nagenahira Nagas 77/2 when rain interrupted the match. Birt 33* is top scorer.

SLPL Team Preview - Kandurata Warriors

Kandurata Warriors has most experienced squad of all. They have players with lot of class and stamina. The players in their dispossal can intimitate any side. But they had a big set back even before the start of the tournament when their captain and icon player Kumar Sangakkara  ruled out of the tournament.

SLPL Team Preview - Ruhuna Royals

Ruhuna Royals have the most celebrated T- 20 players in their side and they will hope to finish top of the table in the tournament. They have Experience,Skill and power required to be a Champion team. They have the best T-20 Fast bowler (Lasith Malinga) Most attractive player and power hitter in the world Cricket (Sahid Afridi) and Emerging T-20 Sensation (Richard Levi).

SLPL Team Preview - Nagenahira Nagas

Nagenahira Nagas drafted lot of new faces in International Cricket. They have most promissing crop of young local players. They are led by Sri Lankn Vice Captain and most promising young all-rounder in world cricket Angelo Mathews.
They don't Have many stars they are lot of talent in the squad but they lack experience. Which could go against them in crunch situations. Their Batting will be heavilly depended on 2 players Imran Nazir and Angelo Mathews.

SLPL Opening Ceremony Images

SLPL Tournament Schedule

Gayle to sing with Max Priest and Sanath to dance with Reenie in SLPL Opening Ceremony

It is reported that the Sri Lanka Premier League opening ceremony will be held at Sugathadasa Indoor stadium on tomorrow (10) and that it is supposed to be totally new musical experience.
Among the upcoming events, it is lined that Sanath Jayasuriya’s dance with the Indian pop queen Reenie, Chris Gayle is to sing together with Max Priest 

Absence of Indian Cricketers wouldn't affect SLPL - Aravinda de Silva

Sri Lankan legendry batsman Aravinda de Silva, speaking at an event to announce Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd's association with the SLPL as the title sponsor. The league will kick off on August 11.
De Silva, said that the absence of Indian cricketers would not affect the tournament as other international stars from across the globe are a part of the event.

IPL is the best organized league - Sahid Afridi

Pakistan's all-rounder, Shahid Afridi has described Indian Premier League as the best foreign Twenty20 league that he has ever played in.
The 32-year-old cricketer, who will be playing in the Sri Lankan Premier League from August 12, said that his experience of playing in the IPL in 2008 had been the best of his career.