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IPL should not be scrapped: Ashantha De Mel

9 June 2013 10:25 am - 6     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The spot-fixing and betting scandal in Indian Premier League matches is unfortunate but IPL should not be scrapped, former Sri Lanka fast bowler Ashantha De Mel.

De Mel, who played 17 Tests and 57 ODIs besides serving in the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, said IPL has its positives.

"It provided opportunity to the young cricketers to showcase their talent. It also enabled youngsters and promising players to learn and gain experience by playing alongside top players in the game," he said.

De Mel, who is an avid bridge player and represented Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Games in the card game, is in Ahmedabad participating at the ongoing Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East (BFAME) Championship.


"IPL should not be stopped. But at the same time, cricket authorities here should find ways and take proper action to eliminate spot fixing and betting," he said.

Asked whether BCCI President N Srinivasan should have resigned following the spot-fixing scandal, de Mel said, "I don`t want to make any comment as the inquiry is going on now".

To a question whether Sri Lankan cricket had any incidence of spot-fixing, he said, "In Sri Lanka, we don`t have involvement of this kind of money, so chances are very less."

De Mel, who was also a national selector, said young cricketers should first earn experience in the longer version of the game before playing in T20 cricket and IPL.

Regarding his taking up the card game, De Mel said he inherited the passion from his father Robert De Mel who also represented Sri Lanka in international tournaments adding "it stimulates my mind to a great extent". (PTI)

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  Comments - 6

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • indiraimurray Sunday, 09 June 2013 10:34 AM

    What about Hedging. Should it be Scrapped?

    Nodrog Sunday, 09 June 2013 10:53 AM

    De Mel loves gambling so its no surprise! We still remember his antics at the CPC and how much money he squandered.

    Suq Madique Sunday, 09 June 2013 10:59 AM

    Don't take his advise. We are still paying for his silly decisions at the CPC.

    ann Sunday, 09 June 2013 11:21 AM

    This is the fellow who messed up a simple thing such as hedging....now trying to talk big. Go back into your shell you idiot..

    sss Sunday, 09 June 2013 01:59 PM

    Hey the poor guy need to earn some billions

    Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 10 June 2013 11:25 AM

    "Deekirata Balalluth Saakki"


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