Sri Lanka Cricket knew slpl fixing moves

Sri lanka media reorts both Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) were aware of the approaches made by an Indian caller to umpires of the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) to fix matches much before the Indian TV sting exposed the issue last week.
Accoring to the media SLC Umpires Committee chairman A.R.M. Aroos said that Sri Lanka’s International panel umpire Tyron Wijewardene had received a telephone call from an unknown Indian party before he was to officiate in the first SLPL semi final between Wayamba United and Uva Next, but brought the matter immediately to the notice of SLC officials.

Munaweera, Dananjaya make SLPL XI

Plucked from complete obscurity by Mahela Jayawardene and Graham Ford, Dananjaya's first foray into professional cricket has been as successful as anyone could have hoped. Even Jayawardene has spoken of his surprise at the apparent ease with which Dananjaya has performed in the limelight. 

SLPL had met its expectations - Aravinda De Silva

Former leading Sri Lankan cricketer and cricket selector Aravinda De Silva Friday at a media briefing in Colombo slammed critics of the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament, insisting that the event had met its expectations.
De Silva told reporters at a media briefing that the main focus of the SLPL, a cricket tournament which featured local and foreign players together in seven teams, was to nurture young Sri Lankan cricketers, reports Xinhua.

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.

Akila Dananjaya not a Mystery Spinner - Trevor Bayliss

Former Sri lankan Coach Trevor Bayliss in an interview expressed views on Akila Dananjaya,SLPL and ICC world T-20 prospects,Speaking about Teenage spinner Akila Dananjaya who has become the sensation of the SLPL after he made it to the Sri Lankan Twenty20 World Cup squad on the strength of his superb show in the SLPL, Bayliss does not want to call him a "mystery spinner" as yet.
Dananjaya have not played any competitive cricket outside school fixtures but after seeing him as a net bowler, Sri Lanka and Wayamba skipper Mahela Jayawardene recommended him to be fast-tracked into the national team.

SLPL is a good preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup - Lasith Malinga

 Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga feels that his side will have a distinct advantage over other countries during next month's Twenty20 World Cup as most of the island nation's players have prepared well by competing in the Sri Lanka Premier League.
"SLPL is a good preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup. All the Sri Lankan players know the conditions very well and we have a chance to win the Twenty20 World Cup," Malinga, who captained Ruhuna Royals in the SLPL, told reporters after his side's match against Wayamba United.

"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 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