(Cricket news) As Jaffna Stallions enter their second season of the Lanka Premier League, the reigning champions have a new owner in Mr. Allirajah Subaskaran, founder and chairman of Lyca Group of companies in the UK. The group has been diversifying into new businesses in the South Asian region and already has a strong presence in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking about the new venture, Mr Subaskaran said, “I have been observing the gradual growth of the LPL. It has turned out to be a spectacular sporting event, and I believe that the LPL can become a major event in the cricketing calendar. Many Sri Lankans globally look forward to this tournament, with better funding and drafting of bigger names, the league is bound to be a global phenomenon, and I don't want to be left out of the party.” When asked why he chose the Jaffna Stallions, Mr. Subaskaran said “Well, it makes sense to put your money on the team that won last year, and, I do have some sentimental attachments to the North of the Island."

Mr Anil Mohan, Founder and CEO of Dubai-based production giant IPG, the official promoter of LPL welcomed the new owner by saying “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome on board Lyca Group Chairman Mr Allirajah Subaskaran as the owner of the Jaffna franchise. I am sure that his love and passion for the game will enable him to connect with the team and engage the fans and all its stakeholders going forward.”

Mr Jawad Ghulam Rasool, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai-based production giant IPG, the official promoter of LPL, said, “We at the IPG group recognize that it takes many individuals whether in management, players or franchise owners to put together a league that we can be proud of, a league like LPL. We would like to welcome Jaffna franchise owner Mr Allirajah Subaskaran, chairman of the LYCA Group to the LPL community and look forward to growing stronger together.”

The LPL Player’s Draft is scheduled for next month and with Mr. Allirajah Subaskaran on board, Jaffna Stallions will be hoping to sign some big international and local stars. The expectations will be high from the Jaffna franchise, particularly after their performance last year and Mr. Subaskaran will undoubtedly hope for an even better performance this time around.

Due to COVID-19, the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) was played within a secure bio-bubble at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium from November 26th till December 16th, 2020. The league became an instant success, reaching an audience of 557 million on TV, digital space and traditional media.

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