BCCSL to lose 3m US $? (13 May 1998)

Wednesday 13, May 1998

BCCSL to lose 3m US $?

by SA'ADI THAWFEEQ

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) stands to lose three million US dollars if they fail to secure television rights for the forthcoming cricket tour here by New Zealand and for the three-nation Independence Cup.

The BCCSL is already behind schedule with New Zealand due here on Friday for a three-Test series against Sri Lanka starting on May 27 and the Independence Cup to celebrate the country's Fiftieth Year of Independence commencing on June 19.

According to BCCSL sources the Attorney General's Department is working round the clock to help them expedite the deal with television company World Tel with whom a Memorandum of Understanding (MOM) was signed by the president and secretary of the previous administration.

The BCCSL has written to the AG's Department requesting the legal status of the MOU signed with World Tel, and to negotiate to terminate the contract, so that it could go for fresh bidding.

On the instructions of the AG, additional solicitor general, PC Kamala Sabeyson is appearing on behalf of the BCCSL on this matter.

According to Cricket Board sources the television deal should have been finalised at least by March this year. The new BCCSL administration took office in the final week of March.

A senior spokesman for the BCCSL said the revenue from the television deal would be sufficient to run the country's cricket for the next five years.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)