Sri Lanka backtracks on recall of National Cricketers

Sri Lanka has backtracked and will not ask national cricketers to return home early from the Indian Premier League to prepare for a tour of England.

Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said that after talks with Indian authorities the board decided that if the players make themselves available for a second warm-up match on the tour on May 19, that will be sufficient preparation for the international games.

Earlier, authorities had asked the players to return home by May 5, saying the national team takes precedence over IPL.

The first tour match in England begins on May 14, and the first test starts on May 26 in Cardiff.

Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage earlier said future permission to play foreign leagues such as the IPL will be conditional on it not affecting the national team.

Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, batsmen Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Suraj Randiv are among seven member of the Sri Lanka test squad who are playing in the IPL.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has said he will not play the three—match series, citing an injury, but officials questioned his claim and will ask him to return home immediately for a rehabilitation programme. (AP)