Sri Lanka to boost domestic cricket

Colombo, Sep 3 (IANS) The Sri Lankan Cricket Board Monday said it will take measures to boost their domestic cricket after its first ever Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) concluded last week.

Board chairman Upali Dharmadasa said in a statement that they hope to transform domestic cricketing outlook from domestic to international level.

"With greater things in mind I, together with the executive committee of SLPL, have decided to fund the participating districts and the provinces with cash and cricket materials," Dharmadasa said.

The Premier League ended last week amidst criticism and concerns that the event will not meet its goal of helping young cricketers.

It was also shrouded in controversy with allegations of attempts to fix some of the matches during the tournament.

However, Dharmadasa said that in years to come the SLPL will step forward in a big way to become not only an elite tournament but a breeding ground for upcoming cricketers.