Sri Lanka cricket to receive US$17m boost

Sri Lanka Cricket's coffers will be bursting at the seams with the announcement that the ICC are planning to host a series of tournaments here in the future. Within the next eight years a cash injection of a mind-boggling US$ 16,850,000 is expected by way of fees for hosting an event and as hospitality and publication rights.

For the next ICC Super Series which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in 2007, SLC will receive US$250,000 from hosting fees and a further US$2 million from hospitality and publication rights.

SLC will receive similar figures when they host the Twenty20 international in 2013. And, in the event of Pakistan failing to host the 2012 Champions trophy and Malaysia the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, Sri Lanka is earmarked as standby to host both tournaments. This would bring in further revenues similar to those earned from hosting the ICC Super Series.

As co-host of the 2011 World Cup, Sri Lanka is due to get US$10 million for hosting nine matches. In addition, an undisclosed figure is due from the ICC as revenue from gate-takings, hospitality sales and specified publication rights.

SLC sources said that five venues have been identified to host the nine World Cup matches namely, Asgiriya Stadium, R. Premadasa Stadium, SSC, Dambulla International Stadium and Galle International Stadium. These matches include one semi-final which is schedule for R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka won the right to host the 2011 World Cup with Asian neighbours India, Pakistan and Bangladesh at the ICC board meeting held in Dubai in April. The last occasion Sri Lanka hosted the World Cup was in 1996 with India and Pakistan when four matches were played here. On that occasion Sri Lanka became champions.