I want to make LPL the most in-demand T20 franchise after IPL – Dodanwela

• New Tournament Director has big plans for Lanka Premier League

To make the Lanka Premier League (LPL) the next most sought after T20 franchise tournament after the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the objective of the newly appointed Tournament Director of the LPL Samantha Dodanwela.

“Personally, it’s an honour to head a tournament with an international flavour,” chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) Tournament Committee and a member of the SLC Executive Committee Dodanwela told Daily FT.

“It makes it easier for me being the Tournament Committee chairman as well to head both committees. I can add value from what I have learnt from being the chairman of the tournament committee of SLC. At the end of the day the tournament is organised by SLC.”

Asked what he hoped to achieve from LPL-3, Dodanwela replied, “The LPL tournament will happen a couple of months before the T20 World Cup, I hope the players will gain the much-needed exposure playing with international players. In addition, my wish is to identify more players who have the skill to play T20 cricket. Another feature is that an under 23 player needs to be in every playing XI so that player development will also happen.” With LPL-3 being held in July-August Dodanwela foresees that there will be challenges ahead.

“The LPL was held in December last year, by holding it in July-August means that it clashes with the T20 Blast and the 100-ball in the UK and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which will commence a few days after the LPL. Hence, we will be expecting some new overseas players who will be the first timers in this tournament.”

Dodanwela takes over as tournament director of LPL from the vice president of SLC Ravin Wickremaratne, who ran the first two tournaments successfully.

“I’ve had a couple of fruitful discussions with him. Previous experience is always very useful.”

Dodanwela, a former first-class cricketer with SSC and a tea taster by profession admitted that he was surprised when he was offered the top position at LPL but added: “I always believe in taking up challenges.”

The third edition of the LPL will be held from 31 July to 21 August in Colombo (R Premadasa Stadium) and Hambantota (Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium). The Overseas Player Registration is currently on and will close on 23 June. (ST)