Everyone’s wondering if it will meet the standards set by the IPL. Let’s be realistic in this regard - to be honest it has not met the standards of the IPL but, we need to cut the organizers some slack as the IPL has been through 4 editions where as the SLPL has only begun!

So far the matches have proved to be nothing short of entertaining.

The Ruhunu Royals are a team that everybody has their eyes upon led by Sri Lanka’s very own “Slinga” Lasith Malinga who has over the years grown to be one of the most feared bowlers in the international cricketing arena.

With over 15,000 likes on facebook, a strong set of supporters and one heck of a team, the Ruhunu Royals are ready to imprint their name in the legacy of SLPL.

The team comprises Aron Finch, Gihan Rupasinghe, Richard Levi, Chamara Silva Jerome Taylor, Ryan Harris, Chaminda Vidanapathirana, Kasun Madushanka, Gayan Wijekoon, Ramith Rambukwella , Ryan Mclaren, Dananja De Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Shahid Afridi, Daniel Harris, Malinga Bandara, Shaluka Karunanayake, Denuwan Rajakaruna, Nathan Mccullum, Shanuka Dissanayake, Dilruwan Perera, Prasanna Jayawardhane and Tharanga Lakshitha

Life Online caught up with some of the Stars of the Ruhunu Royals Lasith Malinga, Gihan Rupasinghe, Jerome Taylor and Coach Waqar Younis ahead of their next match and threw a few questions at them and this is what they had to say.

Jerome Taylor

What was the most memorable moment in your cricketing career?

I think it would be my debut for the West Indies. Nothing gives you more pleasure than wearing your country’s colours and representing it in an international arena.

What differences do you see between the IPL and the SLPL?

Well the IPL is a tough competition and the SLPL is also tough but the SLPL is just making its debut so give it a bit of time and it will become a tough brand to compete with.

How do you like Sri Lanka?

It’s been great, the team is fun plus the people in general are friendly and nice so I’m liking it here!

Waqar Younis

How has your coaching stint with the Ruhunu Royals been?

It has been fun and a learning experience as well; having people from so many different cultures and backgrounds on one team is quite interesting!

Now that you mentioned the crossing of cultures, is it tough to be the coach in such circumstances?

It is a challenge, because everyone has different work ethics and disciplines that vary from country to country. However it is a challenge that can certainly be met as long as you know what you are doing.

What is the atmosphere like in the dressing room?

The atmosphere is simply great, everybody wants to win the tournament that is underway and everyone means business and I think that it is quite great for the team.

What would you make of the IPL and the SLPL?

I have never been a part of the IPL. I’ve just watched a bit of it. But it is a huge market in India where as Sri Lanka is a relatively small market. But within time the SLPL does have the potential to be as big as the IPL. But it’s going to take quite some time.

Gihan Rupasinghe

What do you think of the SLPL?

It is a good opportunity for players like me to make a name for ourselves and hopefully make it to the national team.

There have been reports of match fixing in the first edition of the tournament, what do you think of this?

Unfortunately it tarnishes the game, such practices should be dealt with by the authorities.

If you were not a cricketer, what would you be doing?

I would be engaged in politics! That is what my father is doing. So, I would like to follow in his footsteps.

Lasith Malinga

What do you think of the SLPL?

It will pick up and become a great brand. But it is a very good opportunity for upcoming players to come forward and prove themselves.

How has it been captaining the Ruhunu Royals?

It is definitely a learning experience, we have done quite well so looking forward to the remaining games!

Tell us about the hairdo!

Well I tried this look for the first  World Cup that I played and I liked it, so therefore I decided to keep it :)

By Reihan Stephen

Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi