<div class="img-caption-wrap img-caption-wrap-left "> <img src="https://st3.cricketcountry.com/wp-content/uploads/cricket/ac72dc5a49e51159d257025cc1063a15.jpeg" title="State-run bank ordered to clear Sri Lanka cricketers' pay" alt="State-run bank ordered to clear Sri Lanka cricketers' pay" /><p class="imgcaption"> Sri Lanka cricketers have not been paid since the end of ICC 2011 World Cup Getty Images</p> </div><p> </p><p></p><p><strong>Colombo: Feb 17, 2012</strong></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Sri Lanka s sports minister has ordered the state-run Bank of Ceylon to settle the wages of national cricketers who have not been paid for over a year, a statement said on Friday.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>After several rounds of discussions between minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, the bank and the cricket board, the Bank of Ceylon has agreed to release 600 million rupees ($5 million) to pay the dues.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>"Minister Aluthgamage also instructed the officials of Sri Lanka Cricket not to overlook contract payments in the future," the statement said.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Sri Lanka s cricket board has not paid its players as the governing body struggles with debts of $69 million after building two new venues and revamping a third ground for the World Cup.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Since losing the 2011 World Cup final to India, Sri Lanka have lost Test and one-day series against England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa. (AFP)</p>
