Cash strapped Sri Lanka board reduces budget for Australia’s tour

By IANS,

Colombo: Cash-strapped Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has slashed its budget for Australia’s tour in August-September, with the security bill being trimmed from $445,000 to just $81,000.


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Sri Lanka Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has asked the board to cut down the cost but assured that security won’t be compromised.

The sports ministry reportedly said that SLC has been asked to undergo an austerity drive since it cannot recover the money it is spending.

Aluthgamage said since there is no war in the island nation, there will be enough security for the Australians, when they tour for three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s.

The cost of the series was projected at $2.67 million, but the minister shot it down and said that steps are being taken to cut cost from all corners. He said that SLC will not give free tickets and neither there will be banquet meals for the invitees.

The construction of two new venues at Pallekele and Hambantota for the World Cup has left SLC with a debt of $23 million. Pallekele will host both the Twenty20 games, one ODI and a Test while Hambantota will host two ODIs.

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