MUMBAI: Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN), Canada?s Largest South Asian broadcaster, has said it has secured the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights for the Sri Lanka Premier League for a period of seven years for all forms of broadcast.

The inaugural edition of the Sri Lankan premier league, which went underway on 11 August, will run till 31 August in Sri Lanka. The tournament features seven provincial teams at two venues: R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.

The new league features some of the best national and international players, including Tilakaratane Dilshan, Kumar Sangakara, Sanath Jayasuria, Muttiah Muralitharan, & Mahela Jayawardene from Sri Lanka; Chris Gayle & Shivnaraine Chanderpaul from West Indies; Shahid Afridi & Misbah Ul Haq from Pakistan; Tim Southee & Nathan McCullum from New Zealand; Albie Morkal from South Africa; and Dirk Nannes from Australia.

There will be a total of 24 matches including two semifinals and a final. The seven teams participating in the league are Nagenahira Nagas, Ruhuna Rhinos, Basnahira Bears, Kandurata Kites, Uthura Oryxes, Wayamba Wolves & Uva Unicorns.

"This is an exciting new opportunity to see top talent in premier league play. We are delighted to be able to bring this new league to Canadian fans," said ATN?s President and CEO Dr. Shan Chandrasekar.

Recently the Sri Lanka Cricket board auctioned the seven teams for over $30 million and all seven franchises were bought by Indian Business Enterprises. Some of the franchise owners include Wadhawan Holdings Private Limited, Number One Sports Consulting, Pearl Overseas Limited, Success Sports Private Limited and Indian Cricket Dundee Limited.

ESPN Star Sports holds the multi-platform rights for the SLPL in South Asia.

MUMBAI: The officials of Royal Challengers Bangalore were Thursday summoned by the IPL Governing Council to explain when the franchise intends to pay the first installment of players salary and also asked the franchise to get a No Objection Certificate from players on the revised payment schedule.

"The IPL governing council today summoned the RCB officials to the governing council meeting to discuss on the players? payment issue. After discussions, the BCCI has asked RCB to get ?No Objection Certificate? from the cricketers on the revised payment schedule. The franchise has promised that they would produce the NOC in some time," a senior governing council member told newswire PTI.

None of the RCB players except Chris Gayle have received the first installment of their salary despite repeated reminders the players haven?t got any response from the franchise owners.

As per the tripartite contract signed between franchise, player and the BCCI, the players are due 15 per cent of their fee for the season by 1 April, 50 per cent by 1 May, 20 per cent after the Champions League T20 and 15 per cent by 1 December.

MUMBAI: West Indian power hitter Chris Gayle has finally reached a compromise agreement with the nation?s cricket governing body WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) that was brokered by socio-economic organisation, Caribbean Community.

The agreement though comes with a rider that he is honour-bound to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the English Friends Provident Twenty20 league this season that might make his comeback to the national difficult.

"The Board was advised that Mr Chris Gayle has signed the Caricom-brokered agreement, but with a ?side letter? from Mr Gayle," the WICB said in a release.

"Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr Ralph Gonsalves, provided a copy of Mr Gayle?s ?side letter?. The matter was discussed and the Board will respond to the Honourable Prime Minister shortly," it said.

Earlier this year, the 32-year-old Jamaican signed a new deal with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore to play in this year?s edition. He has also inked a one-year deal with Somerset to play in the Friends Provident League.

In April last year, Gayle had criticised West Indies Cricket Board and coach Ottis Gibson which resulted in his ouster from the team and has not played for the team since. However, Gayle?s reputation as a big hitter saw him being invited to play for various Twenty20 tournaments like Bangladesh Premier League and Big Bash League.

MUMBAI: West Indian opener Chris Gayle has joined IPL franchise Royal challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the 2011 IPL as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. He was the recipient of the Orange Cap for being the highest scorer in IPL 2011.

Gayle also played for RCB in the CLT20 2011. He was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the IPL.

Royal Challengers Sports director Sidhartha Mallya said, "We are delighted to make Chris Gayle a permanent member of our IPL squad. He is one of the best batsmen in the world. His form helped us qualify for the final of the 2011 edition of the tournament. We are confident that with players like him in our side, we will take the extra step this season, and win our maiden IPL title".