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Tournament will be elevated to a new level LPL Tourney Dir. Samantha Dodanwela 

23 Oct 2022

  By Ranjika Perera The dates have been announced for the much-anticipated Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022. The stage is set for the five teams – Colombo Stars, Galle Gladiators, Dambulla Giants, Jaffna Stallions, and Kandy Falcons – to fight it out for the LPL 2022 title. The curtain raiser of the tournament will take place on 6 December at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) in Hambantota while the knockout round will take place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The all-important final will be played on 23 December.  Two-time champions, Jaffna Stallions will be keen to retain the trophy, but the rest of the pack will be determined to dethrone the northern champions and secure their first-ever title. As we build up to the biggest sporting extravaganza in Sri Lanka, The Sunday Morning Sports had a discussion with the LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela.  Following are excerpts from the exclusive interview:   What is your role as the Tournament Director?   I am responsible for the overall conduct of the tournament in the spirit of the game by adhering to the rules and regulations, pertaining to the LPL, laid down by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and by Sri Lanka Cricket. I am responsible for every element of the tournament and I want to ensure the success of the tournament by maintaining transparency.   What do you think about the previous two seasons?   The previous two seasons were massive success stories that laid the groundwork for a brighter future for the LPL. The first edition was conducted in the most challenging times, at the height of the pandemic, and still became a huge success story, with the tournament receiving wide international attention. The second edition went a step further, as we also opened it to crowds. In the two editions, we had good teams, good international and local players, good sponsors, and a good crowd at the grounds along with people watching on TV and online platforms.   Will this year’s season be bigger and better?   Yes, definitely. This league is growing in strength. This year, we are expanding the tournament to three venues. During the first edition, it was conducted only in one venue, whilst during the second edition, we moved into two venues. This time we are moving into three venues which indicates growth. LPL 2022 is expected to attract good foreign players through a draft and there is increased commercial interest for this tournament. The fans are expected to flock the stadiums, especially in the context of how our T20 National Team is performing internationally and becoming the Asia Cup Champions recently. Overall, the tournament will be elevated to a new level during the third edition, continuing the growth momentum.   How do you rate the support from past Sri Lankan cricket legends?   They have always been with us, and will continue to support, not only the LPL but Sri Lankan cricket in general. Most of the past cricketers will be involved in the tournament in various capacities, such as coaching the teams, officiating, etc. The LPL has roped in Sanath Jayasuriya as an ambassador which shows the level of their involvement in the tournament.   Do you think there is enough support from the local corporate sector?   They have been supporting the game and the support for the LPL is also at a good pace. However, the potential for them to come in and provide support is very high. As you can see, Softlogic Holdings PLC, a local conglomerate, owns a franchise, while the Jaffna Stallions is owned by an international firm, which has a local presence. The scope for the local corporate sector is greater and we are ready to accommodate them and give them the desired exposure.   How is it like working with Innovative Production Group (IPG), a foreign company?   They have been committed to the task and credit goes to them for being a part of this tournament, which is growing as a league. They bring in expertise from various segments, such as marketing, broadcasting, franchise management, and many more, which are vital for a tournament of this nature.   How do you intend on competing with other leagues?   We do not want to compete with other leagues. What we want is to make this tournament a highly competitive one, so that it will help Sri Lanka Cricket and its journey forward, enabling our national set up to have the best players in the pipeline to compete at the international level. Indeed, we wish to collaborate with other leagues, rather than compete.   Any comments to the cricket fans?   Continue to support the league, spread the message, arrive at the stadium to watch the matches, and if not, watch on TV, mobile, or listen to the tournament via the radio. Your support is vital for the game. We intend to play in many more outstation venues in the future to ensure that the fans who live in all parts of the country will have the opportunity to witness the top Sri Lankan and overseas players in action.  


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