Cricket News

LPL 2022 put on hold in Sri Lanka due to economic crisis

The LPL has been postponed in Sri Lanka due to the economic crisis and political instability that has crippled the country. At present, there is no government in Sri Lanka, and The President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned from the emerald isle and has fled the country. Reports suggest that the then President of Sri Lanka is now in the Maldives, seeking asylum.

The Lanka Premier League 2022 has been postponed immediately because of the country’s economic condition at the moment, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Sunday. The tournament was scheduled to happen from August 1-22, 2022.

In a statement by SLC, it said: “This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current ‘economic situation,’ in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament.”

The Lankan Premier League has been an important cog in the wheel for Sri Lanka to develop cricket talent across the country and it has been successful in the two editions that have been played so far. Overseas players such as Andre Russel and the likes take part in the league every year. The league has helped the development of the Sri Lankan ecosystem and has helped in unearthing youngsters like Charith Asalanka to play for higher honours by playing for the country.

The League, if it would have happened, would have generated more revenue for the Sri Lankan board. SLC conducted a successful tour of Australia despite the prevailing economic conditions and the tour involved all formats which gave a critical boost of revenue for the country at this time of need. The league not being held would come as a shot in the arm for the board who were looking to get cricket going despite the prevailing situation.

The country is battling political instability and economic crisis where people are struggling for essentials and they are battling high inflation. Sadly for these people with the league not being there. The ” Balm of hope “won’t be provided through cricket in these tough times faced by the Sri Lankan public.