The BCCSL is close to reaching an amicable solution with regard to the 11 million US dollars sought by WSG Nimbus which could eventually pave the way for the Singapore based Television company to broadcast the forthcoming England cricket tour of Sri Lanka in November ‘The Island’ reliably learns.

The BCCSL is presently holding discussions with WSG Nimbus in a valiant bid to obtain a reduction in the 11 million US dollar Singapore court ordered penalty after its agreement to televise all international matches played here was haphazardly terminated by the Vijaya Malalasekere led Interim Committee in 2001.

Following the arbitrary abortion of its contract by that Interim Committee WSG Nimbus appealed to a Singapore tribunal which upheld it, leaving the BCCSL facing a dire financial crisis.

But since an elected body under Thilanga Sumathipala took charge of affairs of the cash-strapped Cricket Board in July this year they have been at pains to reduce the staggering amount sought by Nimbus as damages for illegally terminating their contract.

When contacted by ‘The Island’ Secretary of the BCCSL Mohan De Silva said yesterday discussions were being held with WSG Nimbus in a bid to reduce the 11 million US dollar damages sought by the Singapore based television company.

" At the moment I can not reveal anything as the on-going talks are still at a delicate stage" he said.

" We will do our utmost and reduce the amount sought by Nimbus by at least half of that figure".

De Silva said the BCCSL was confident they could achieve a ‘amicable solution’ within the next few days to the satisfaction of the three parties concerned including Dubai based Taj Television.

Taj Television, which is owned by Gulf tycoon Abdul Rahman Bukathar, entered into a three year contract with the Hemaka Amarasuriya headed Interim Committee of the BCCSL in November 2001 to gain exclusive rights and be the sole broadcaster for International cricket in Sri Lanka.

Asked what repercussions the Cricket Board would have to face in the event of scrapping the existing deal with Ten Sports owned by Taj Television Mohan De Silva declined to comment only saying the Board was hopeful of reaching a satisfactory agreement.

England led by Michael Vaughan presently involved in the fifth and final test against South Africa is scheduled to play three Tests and as many one-day internationals between November and December year against Sri Lanka this year.

(JK)