SLPL faces uncertain future after franchises default on payment

Colombo: Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) faces an uncertain future after some of the franchises failed to cough up their tournament fees with less than a month remaining for the league to commence. The organisers have also postponed the tournament draft that was scheduled for July 14 to July 20 to allow franchise owner more time to pay up. “Somerset Entertainment Ventures (SEV) CEO Sandip Bhammer confirmed that not all franchises have paid their tournament fees, despite having breached two deadlines,” a report in Espncricinfo.com said. [caption id=“attachment_963965” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] SLC president Upali Dharmadasa at the launch of the SLPL in 2012. Getty Images[/caption] SEV is the marketing partner for the tournament. In order to take part in the league, each of the eight franchises are due to pay USD 4.33 million a year on average to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). “SLC have made it clear that unless the franchises pay, they will not be able to take part in the draft,” Bhammer was quoted as saying. The SLPL is scheduled from August 10 to September 7. PTI