Dubai-based IPG to host Lanka Premier League

By BIPIN DANI      

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has sold the rights of hosting the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Twenty20 Cricket Tournament to Dubai-based Innovative Production Group (IPG), reliable sources at SLC revealed yesterday. 

According to the sources at the SLC, the hosting rights for the first year have been sold at US $1,925,000. 

With a collective experience of 50 years, the IPG Company continues to innovate and push towards sports excellence in the way that it is presented to the world. IPG has grown into being recognised as an Integral player in the world of Sport.

The company has experience of hosting matches in Pakistan, South Africa and in the United Arab Emirates. 

In March 2018, the company also hosted the ‘Nidahas’ Trophy T20I Tournament in Sri Lanka when India and Bangladesh also participated. Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones is one of the advisors of the Group. 

Meanwhile, out of 140 players from different Test playing countries who have shown interest to play in the LPL, only 30 players will be able to participate. 

Each team can have a maximum of six foreign players and only four of them would be allowed to play. 

Foreign players will not be required to undergo quarantine. Once they are tested at the airports they will again be retested one week later. SLC will provide umpires and ground facilities for all venues. 

SLC’s Vice-President Ravin Wickramaratne will be the Tournament Director.