Sri Lankan News Briefs (06 Dec 1995)

SRI LANKA SPORTS NEWS AT-A-GLANCE

Compiled by Dinesh Weerawansa

Eden Gardens inaugural venue for 1996 World Cup

The Eden Gardens,Calcutta has been chosen as the inaugural venue for the World Cup tournament which will be officially known as the `Wills World Cup 1996`. The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 11.

The PILCOM signed a formal agreement with Indian Tobacco Company during the Delhi meeting last week for sponsorship worth eight million pounds sterling.

Francis, Cooray tipped to officiate World Cup

K.T. Francis and B.C.Cooray are tipped to be the two Sri Lankan umpires included in the International Cricket Council umpires panel which will be picked to officiate at the 1996 World Cup cricket tournament to be staged in the sub-continent.

The requirement for the World Cup tournament is two umpires each from the three host countries - Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, and one each from the other six Test-playing nations, England, Australia, New Zealand,West Indies,South Africa and Zimbabwe, forming a panel of 12. It is likely that Sri Lanka`s appointment will be Francis and Cooray who are already in the international panel of umpires.

More offers to Lankans from English counties

There has been more offers to Sri Lanka Test cricketers to play in the 1996 English county championship but none of them are able to accept them due to tight international calender. Next year`s English summer season will overlap with Sri Lanka`s home series against Australia. Sri Lanka`s next Test cricket commitment at home will be against Australia in July/August.

The Aussies who were last here at around the same period in 1992 will be involved in a series of three Tests and one-day internationals. This will not permit any of the Sri Lanka Test cricketers to undertake any contracts with English counties. Aravinda de Silva who played for Kent last season, has been so far approached by three counties. Paceman Chaminda Vaas was approached by Gloucestershire last season but was unable to make it due to the Pakistan tour.

Source :: Lake House/Lanka Internet Services Ltd