Amid global pandemic, cricket is slowly making its return as some T20 leagues have started in different parts of the world. Even at the international arena, the captivating game is all set to resume from July 8 when England and West Indies will face each other in the first game of the three-match Test series at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also began the UVA T20 Premier League which kicked-off from Monday (June 29, 2020). Four teams – Monaragala Hornets, Unilions Mahiyanganaya, Badulla Sea Eagles and Wellawaya Vipers – were expected to compete in the tournament as the opening day witnessed two matches.
However, the disappointing news for fans is that after the completion of two games, the tournament has been cancelled. As per reports, the legal team of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) unauthorised the competition. The decision is surprising as the board itself had earlier approved the UVA Premier League.
Earlier, it was also reported that famous Lankan players like Farveez Maharoof, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Thushara, Dasun Shanaka and Ajantha Mendis would show their magic in the T20 league. Although they didn’t play in the first two matches.
In fact, Maharoof clarified the rumours on Sunday stating that he is not playing the league and the news regarding his participation is fake.
This is fake no one has spoken to me or neither I’m interested to speak or to play the tournament. Please don’t give any publicity
— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) June 28, 2020
It’s not the first time that a tournament in Sri Lanka has been cancelled. A few days ago, the PDC T10 League was scheduled to begin from June 25, and players like Nuwan Kulasekara and Ajantha Mendis were reportedly set to feature in it. Even then, the SLC had claimed that the organisers hadn’t sought the required permission for the tournament.
