SLC keen to hold IPL games to raise funds

Cash-starved Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approached the BCCI, showing its interest to hold some Indian Premier League matches in the island country to raise some additional revenue.

SLC's revenue got a beating when the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) was postponed last year after the BCCI refused to release Indian cricketers for the tournament.

SLC also has been hit hard because of the construction of new stadiums in Pallekele and Hambantota and the renovation of the Premadasa Stadium for last year's World Cup.

“I feel it (a T20 league) is a needed thing. But I don't think it is the right time with India having the IPL,” the newly-appointed SLC president Upali Dharmadasa told ‘espncricinfo'.

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Clarke, Ponting centuries lead Australia

Michael Clarke’s unbeaten double century and Ricky Ponting’s first hundred in nearly two years placed Australia in total command on the second day of the second Test against India.

Clarke and Ponting shared a record 288-run partnership as Australia flayed India’s attack to be 482-4 at stumps on Wednesday for a 291-run first innings lead.

Clarke finished the day unbeaten on 251, his first double century and the highest score by an Australian at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Mike Hussey on 55. Australia added 366 runs for the loss of one wicket on the second day.

“It’s a nice start to 2012,” Clarke said. “To score some runs today is very special. The team is in a wonderful position at the moment, 280—odd run lead, but the wicket has flattened out a lot so the most important thing for us is making sure there is enough time in the game to give ourselves a chance to bowl India out.” continuereading

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