According to the tourism ministry, the objective of his visit is to attend the opening of the Arabian Travel Fair.

However, cricket sources say he is to strike a deal with Dubai-based Taj TV’s Ten Sports on broadcasting rights of Sri Lanka’s home tour against India starting in August.

This tour is not covered by the deal in place until 2020 with Ten Sports, as that particular tour was not finalized at the time of the signing of the agreement.

This is also the reason for the appointment of an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Reports say former president of SLC Jayantha Dharmadasa is the Sri Lankan agent for Ten Sports, and in order to finalize the deal, with the blessings of the sports minister, their close friend Nuzki Mohamed has been appointed to the interim committee.

Deal worth over 10 m USD

Although the broadcasting rights for the Indian tour is to be sold for 10 million US dollars, a sum higher than that could be obtained, reports say.

Also, most of the broadcasting rights deals had been reached when there were interim committees governing the game.

Former sports ministers Gamini Lokuge and Mahindananda Aluthgamage have been accused of receiving money underhand for these deals.

Even before the interim committee was appointed, Sri Lanka Mirror revealed this situation.