slpl

Never mind the auction, here’s the draft

2011-06-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) is the latest addition to the growing number of Twenty20 leagues across the globe. While there is much to be learnt about the SLPL’s ownership structure and player selection process, a few aspects are now known.

Featuring seven teams, and to be played in July and August, it is meant to showcase existing and emerging Sri Lankan talent to the world. The international component, capped at five players per team and four in each playing XI, is likely to feature a raft of Pakistanis – who were excluded from the IPL after the first season – and a dozen-odd Indians. They will be paid between US$10,000-35,000 each in the first season, a figure expected to significantly increase in future editions.

So far so good. Now comes the sticking point: the international players will not be put up for auction, or be part of a draft or lottery, but will be assigned by the Sri Lankan cricket board to the franchises on the basis of the teams’ “needs”. This is a departure from the norm in other professional sports leagues, and doesn’t quite pass muster, especially for a fledgling league.

The SLPL’s proposed method appears to be similar to the one used by the now-defunct Indian Cricket League, in which all teams were under a single “owner”, who also happened to be the executive, legislature and judiciary of the league. Players were divided between teams based roughly on their regional affiliations, and in the case of overseas players, randomly distributed among the squads by the single parent body.

The proposed SLPL allocation process contains a number of inherent risks:

The lack of separation between a franchise’s player selection and strategic decision-making on the one hand, and the decision-making by the league’s governing council on the other could lead to conflicts of interest.

If player selection and remuneration are not linked to performance, there is a risk quality of competition will suffer.

There could be doubts about the authenticity of match results when the ownership and the governance council are overlapping or synonymous.

Since the SLPL is likely to be the least lucrative of all the Twenty20 leagues globally, it will likely require systems to tackle mass dropouts or other problems arising from last-minute rescheduling (of international fixtures).

These prospective risks may make the IPL’s auction formula seem, in comparison, the ideal road to go down. But there are better selection options than the auction system or a “need-based” allocation of talent. A successful player-allocation system needs to have a transparent process, and must promote parity and balance among teams.

The SLPL, and other Twenty20 leagues in future, would do well to consider a draft system for player selection. The draft is one of the fundamentals of US professional sport, whose franchise and finance model is known to have inspired the IPL.

Under the draft system, the league’s central office provides to the franchises, more than a month in advance, a list of players who have made themselves available for selection. The franchises make their assessments of the players and make their plans going into draft day.

The draft selections have pre-determined wages: all players picked in any particular round have the same pre-decided wage. Each subsequent round has a successively lower wage. Players may, however, be given performance-based incentives within their contracts; so, based on how each player performs, his final earnings will differ from others picked in the same round of the draft as him. Therefore even if Player A is the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, his base pay will be the same as that of any player chosen below him in the same round. However, due to the performance-based incentives in his contract, he may still earn more than anyone else in the draft, but only, of course, if he performs as well as or better than expected.

Thus, player selection is based largely on the unique skills of each cricketer, which determine where he is picked in the draft, and by which team. So, for example, if the IPL has a draft and Delhi gets to pick first, and they think their primary need is for an Indian legspinner to replace Amit Mishra, they can use their pick to select the best Indian legspinner available, even if he is not the most coveted player available in the draft (i.e. the likes of, say, Chris Gayle, Lasith Malinga and Jacques Kallis, who represent greater absolute value as players may be available to be picked). This is more efficient from a team’s perspective than for the office of the commissioner to allocate players on the basis of skill sets. The value that each individual player is seen to offer any given team’s performance and cohesiveness will determine how soon he is picked.

The draft process, as in the American National Football League, for example, comprises several rounds and sessions. The inaugural SLPL, if it were to adopt the draft, would have seven teams, each looking to fill 18 roster spots in total. There would be 18 rounds of seven picks per round in total.

In American drafts, the least successful team in a league gets first choice of player during a draft, but as the SLPL is a start-up, what will work best is a “lottery draft”. In a lottery draft, a transparent mechanism decides, well in advance of draft day, the sequence in which the teams get to make their picks. The sequence is machine-generated, takes place in front of all the teams’ managements, and is on live television. The lottery is a random mechanism that only determines where a team will pick in a round, not whom they will pick or for how much. If a team wants to use their pick to select a certain player, they may do so, provided the player is available when it is their turn to pick.

In addition to the main draft, there can be supplemental drafts, in in-between years, for players who were unavailable during the lottery draft, or who have improved, or appeared on the scene, since. Similarly, a “waiver / reserve” draft can be brought in for players who may have been released by their teams or were not picked in the lottery draft. This works somewhat like the IPL’s transfer window.

An auction may seem attractive, but it simply isn’t as efficient or as equitable as a draft. Most importantly it does not allow teams to formulate and execute the best possible strategies, and it does not reward players according to their performance. That’s not to say the draft system is perfect, but problems can be solved relatively easily here.

Unfair lottery advantage: What if one particular team wins the lottery in back-to-back rounds, therefore getting the best players available in each? This can be avoided by disqualifying a team from taking first pick in such an eventuality, and stipulating that they pick last in that round instead. All other teams will move up one position.

Back-up plans: What if teams pick against the grain? Say, season six of the IPL has a lottery draft system in place, and the Delhi Daredevils have won the No. 1 pick. They are expected to pick a left-handed opening batsman in round one, but if they choose, say, a legspinner with their No. 1 selection (as in the Amit Mishra example above), that may throw teams choosing after Delhi off their stride. To let teams gather their thoughts and strategise afresh, they can be allotted a certain amount of time, say three minutes, to decide on their next move.

Abiding by the rules: In order to ensure that teams don’t find it difficult to stick to league-mandated stipulations like foreign player caps, encouraging domestic players, and so on, the draft can be divided into sessions. For example, the SLPL draft can be divided into sessions for picking international players (five mandated per team so five rounds of seven selections per round), national players (10 per team, so 10 rounds of seven selections per round), and emerging Under-21 Lankan players (three per team, so three rounds of seven selections per round).

The SLPL could find itself facing the after effects of saturation due to IPL and ICC world events; that monotony could be fatal. A lottery draft system will help keep the league fresh. It isn’t perfect, but it’s a positive step towards increased fair play and parity in Twenty20 Leagues. The SLPL provides a good opportunity to introduce a draft system that can be adopted across the board by all the Twenty20 leagues worldwide – including perhaps the IPL, from season six.

Top players comment on SLPL

2011-06-07T01:02:00.001-07:00

CHRIS GAYLE: Everything that’s cricket is good for me. I love to play my natural game and hoping it goes the way IPL 4 has gone so far. League matches not only give players a chance to display their skills but also puts them under instant spotlight if they perform well. My idea is clear — perform or sit back. So I am excited as well as nervous.

PAUL VALTHATY: I am definitely looking forward to go there. IPL has been a good experience for me and I would want to continue with the form. It will not only help players to adapt to different weather conditions but also pitches. For me, every match is a learning experience and I am looking at SLPL as a platform to hone my playing skills.

PRAVEEN KUMAR: It’s definitely a good platform and an opportunity. I would want to prove my skills there. I am still trying to figure out how would I manage with the Sri Lankan league since it’s coinciding with the Windies tour. I am excited like I always get, when it comes to cricket. I will be touring West Indies with the team, so I have no idea how both the things will be managed.

DINESH KARTHIK: Though my dream will always be to play for the nation, I am happy to be a part of SLPL. When you play league matches, you get to learn many things like dealing with pressure. It also brings to the fore your real playing abilities. IPL has been a great experience. So will the SLPL be.

IRFAN PATHAN: Leagues help one identify grey areas in one’s form, besides providing an opportunity to work on it. I have had a great experience in the league matches (referring to IPL). It will surely help all of us to emerge as better player. I am super excited.

MUNAF PATEL: It’s definitely a good thing. People think it’s going to be an overdose of cricket, but I am very positive. I would want to make optimum use of this opportunity.

PCB may withdraw Afridi NOC for SLPL

2011-06-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former skipper of Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi are now in-fighting as Afridi accused PCB for his conditional retirement and now PCB is planning to withdraw NOC issued to Boom Boom Afridi to take part in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League.

Sources told The Sports Encounter scribe here that Afridi’s media statement has been reported to PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt and PCB has decided to adopt offensive approach in the Shahid Afridi’s case and deal the matter as per the board’s rules and regulations.

It is highly likely that Ejaz Butt may form a disciplinary committee to probe into the Shahid Afridi’s statement where he accused the behavior and policies of current regime of PCB especially member of selection committee Mohammad Ilyas for his retirement from international cricket.

Afridi has accused selector Mohammad Ilyas that he was forcing him to include his son-in-law Imran Farhat in the team but Afridi neglected the selector wish and now he is paying the price for that.

PCB also planning to withdraw its NOC issued to Shahid Afridi to take part in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League which is schedule to start from July 19 but final decision will be taken after receiving tour reports from team manager Intikhab Alam and coach Waqar Younis.

SLPL 2011 Complete Schedule

2011-06-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan cricket board held Match league as like IPL(Indian Primer League) in coming soon month July 2011. SLPL 2011 (Sri Lanka Primer League) will start from July 19 to August 04, 2011 and continue about 18 days. In this league total 7 teams are War against each other.Sri Lanka Premier League Schedule 2011 | SLPL 2011 T20 Schedule ,Fixtures, Teams Logos and Match Timings
SLPL committee yet not announced any schedule of the league but as schedule will announced we informed you. These seven teams will played 24 matches in 18 days.

There are many other interesting news about SLPL 2011 we will update you.please stay with us and bookmark this page for updations.

SLPL 2011 Complete Schedule

1st Match SLPL

( Tuesday 19-July-2011)

Basnahira Bears Vs Kandurata Kites
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

2nd Match SLPL

( Wednesday 20- July-2011)
Nagenahira Nagas Vs Ruhuna Rhinos
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

3rd Match SLPL

( Wednesday 20-July-2011 )
Uthura Oryxes Vs Wayamba Wolves
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

4th Match SLPL

( Thursday 21-July-2011)

Uva Unicorns Vs Basnahira Bears

at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

5th Match SLPL

( Thursday 21-July-2011)
Kandurata Kites Vs Nagenahira Nagas
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

6th Match SLPL

( Saturday 23-July-2011)
Ruhuna Rhinos Vs Uthura Oryxes
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

7th Match SLPL

( Saturday 23-July-2011)
Wayamba Wolves Vs Uva Unicorns
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

8th Match SLPL

( Sunday 24-July-2011)
Basnahira Bears Vs Nagenahira Nagas
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

9th Match SLPL

( Sunday 24- Jul-2011)

Kandurata Kites Vs Ruhuna Rhinos
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

10th Match SLPL

( Monday 25-July-2011)
Uthura Oryxes Vs Uva Unicorns
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

11th Match SLPL

( Monday 25-July-2011)

Wayamba Wolves Vs Basnahira Bears
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

12th Match SLPL

( Tuesday 26-July-2011)
Kandurata Kites Vs Uthura Oryxes
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

13th Match SLPL

( Tuesday 26-July-2011)
Nagenahira Nagas Vs Wayamba Wolves
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

14th Match SLPL

( Thursday 28-July-2011)
Ruhuna Rhinos Vs Uva Unicorns
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

15th Match SLPL

( Thursday 28-July-2011)
Uthura Oryxes Vs Basnahira Bears
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

16th Match SLPL

( Friday 29-July-2011)
Wayamba Wolves Vs Kandurata Kites
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

17th Match SLPL

( Friday 29-July-2011)
Uva Unicorns Vs Nagenahira Nagas
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

18th Match SLPL

( Saturday 30-July-2011)
Basnahira Bears Vs Ruhuna Rhinos
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

19th Match SLPL

( Saturday 30- July-2011)
Kandurata Kites Vs Uva Unicorns
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

20th Match SLPL

( Sunday 31- July 2011)
Nagenahira Nagas Vs Uthura Oryxes
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

21st Match SLPL

( Sunday 31-July-2011)
Ruhuna Rhinos Vs Wayamba Wolves
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

1st Semi Final SLPL

( Tuesday 2-August-2011)
TBC Vs TBC
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

2nd Semi Final SLPL

( Wednesday 3-August-2011)
TBC Vs TBC
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SLPL 2011 Final

( Thursday 4-August-2011)
TBC Vs TBC
at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SLPL to Live broadcast in Sri Lanka by CSN TV

2011-06-07T00:58:00.001-07:00

Sri Lanka Premeir league all island broadcasting will be done by CSN – Sri Lanka’s Premier Sports Network.

Carlton Sports Network, Sri Lanka’s Premier sports TV channel was launched in order to take television another step forward along with a vision of developing and uplifting all sports equally regardless of gender, age, race or ethnicity through broad media coverage across the country and throughout the world keeping Sport & Lifestyle at the forefront at all times.

Official Facebook fan page Sorce confirmed that The Channel Coverage will expand islandwide before next 10th of July. CSN has obtained exclusive TV broadcast rights for the SLPL in Sri Lanka.

The Carlton Sports Network will be available on UHF22 and also on DialogTv Channel 75 and PEOTV Channel 9 for your viewing.

The event will broadcast globally with an international TV channel which will be announced later.

Kevin O’Brien joins Sri Lanka Premier League

2011-06-07T00:57:00.001-07:00

Kevin O’Brien is about to turn his big-hitting World Cup heroics into personal reward on the double after signing up to play for English county side Gloucestershire, while he will also join one of the seven sides to take part in the new Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) Twenty20 tournament later in the summer.

The 27-year-old all-rounder from Sandymount, Dublin, displayed his destructive batting to brilliant effect during the recent World Cup, scoring the fastest century in the tournament’s history off just 50 balls as Ireland stunned England in victory in Bangalore.

Talks of a lucrative deal with an Indian Premier League franchise came in the aftermath of that performance, but having not been included in the original list for the player auction, O’Brien would have to bide his time.

Now the Railway Union right-hander will have the perfect opportunity to put himself in the shop window by taking part in the inaugural Sri Lankan tournament, which will be run off over 18 days in late July and August and organised by Singapore-based Somerset Entertainment Ventures.

And although it pales in comparison to the juggernaut of its Indian counterpart, top players are expected to earn up to $30,000 for their involvement.

O’Brien is still to find out which of the seven sides he will be playing with, although he has been informed that former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya will skipper the side and that West Indies batsman Darren Bravo and South African bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe have also been approached to play in the same side.

“The opportunity actually came through (Ireland coach) Phil Simmons, who forwarded me an e-mail a while back, and subsequently Somerset Entertainment Ventures approached me,” said O’Brien yesterday. “It’s going to be a magnificent experience, and hopefully I’ll acquit myself well.”

For the time being, O’Brien will be concentrating on his return to county cricket with Gloucestershire after spending time with Nottinghamshire in 2009. His older brother, Niall, plays for Northamptonshire. He is looking forward to working under former New Zealand coach John Bracewell and will get plenty of opportunity to brush up on all things Sri Lankan, as the county have also signed Muttiah Muralitharan.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for Gloucestershire, and work under one of the most successful coaches in domestic one-day history,” added O’Brien “It is going to be an honour to play with Murali.”

O’Brien is expected to join up with the side later this week and could make his debut in the Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Glamorgan in Cardiff on Sunday.

Sri Lanka Premier League to have seven teams

2011-06-07T00:52:00.000-07:00

The first edition of the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) will be a seven-team inter-provincial tournament played over approximately 18 days at the end of July and the beginning of August this year. The teams will play each other once, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. All the games will be played the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the winner of the tournament will qualify for the Champions League Twenty20.

ESPNcricinfo has learnt that the seven provinces that will be represented are Basnahira, Kandurata, Nagenahira, Ruhuna, Uthura, Uva and Wayamba. Sri Lanka Cricket will select the players for each team, with domestic players likely to be allotted to their home provinces, thereby ensuring the teams have local support

Each team will have a mix of Sri Lanka and international players with total squad sizes between 16 and 18 players. The playing XI must consist of a minimum of seven Sri Lanka players and a maximum of four international players, with one Sri Lanka player being a current Under-21 cricketer. Each team will also have its share of icon or marquee players, as well as a prominent ex-Sri Lanka player as a mentor or coach.

International players will also be assigned to the various teams by the SLC national selection committee depending on the needs of each team. In this respect, SLC’s approach differs from the IPL, in which teams were sold to franchises who then bid for players in an auction. Among the international players who will be taking part are Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi, Daniel Vettori, Daniel Christian, Herschelle Gibbs and Kevin O’Brien.

The SLPL has also approached a number of Indian players apart from those likely to be playing the Test series against England, and is waiting for the BCCI to approve their participation. The BCCI has already stated it has no problems with the proposed league and that Indian players are free to take part as long as there is no conflict with India’s international or domestic schedule.

The league will be run by the Singapore-based Somerset Entertainment, which has bought the rights for five years. The television rights for the tournament have already been sold in Sri Lanka and the goal is to broadcast the tournament across all mediums in every cricketing nation. The matches will be played at 4 pm and 8 pm on most days, although some days will see only an 8 pm game.