Malinga attacks new selection committee

15 March 2016 03:15 am - 37 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Adding a new twist to the controversial selection of World Twenty20 squad, injured speedster Lasith Malinga yesterday made a scathing attack on cricket authorities for his selection to the squad despite a nagging injury.

Malinga was initially named captain for the World T20 tournament to defend the title they won two years back, but decided to step down after aggravating his injury during Sri Lanka’s only win at the Asia Cup against the UAE. He did not play a further part in the tournament but remained with the team.

“I told the selectors not to include me since I am not fit,” Malinga said.

“I said this before the Asia Cup and before they finalized the World T20 team, but they have selected me. I am not even 70 percent fit,” Malinga said while waiting for his flight to Kolkata at the Bandaranaike International Airport Lotus Lounge.

Malinga was among more than two hundred passengers off-loaded from a Mihin Lanka flight to Kolkata scheduled to depart at 6.30 am last morning due to a technical hitch and were due to depart at 3.30 p.m.

“Why not give that chance to a young player? I am injured. If I can’t play, I can’t play its simple and I don’t understand why they want me to play with an injury,” Malinga, who is the highest wicket taker in World Twenty20 with 38 wickets in 31 matches, added.

The former selectors led by Kapila Wijegunawardene dropped him after a discussion with the player but a dramatic turn of events, where those selectors were disbanded and a new selection committee led by Aravinda de Silva was installed just hours before team’s departure for the World T20, saw him being included. The new selection committee which also includes batting great Kumar Sangakkara thought a half-fit Malinga is more than sufficient to snare even the world’s best batsmen in T20’s but Malinga says otherwise.

“From the little cricket I know I can tell you it’s not what you are that matters but what you can do in the middle. You may have all the record in the world but if you can’t give what the team expected from you then there’s no use,” he explained.

Malinga is suffering from a bone bruise, a traumatic injury he sustains from the forceful impact during bowling and goes through sever pains which last for weeks and months. The best and only way to help the healing process is to rest, support, and protect the bone or joint involved and to apply conventional treatments for trauma.

“There is no sign of immediate recovery as it needs time and no one knows how long it would take for the recovery process. I do not think I can recover any time soon,” he said adding that he would consider retiring from international cricket after the World Cup.

“Now that I am selected I will bowl in nets in the next two days to see whether I am fit enough to play the opening match. If all things go well I will play the opening match against Afghanistan on Thursday if not I will request them to get a replacement,” he added.

Malinga, 32, the world’s most feared T20 bowler with a sling-arm action, prematurely ended his test cricket career in 2011 due to the chronic knee injury he sustained playing for Sri Lanka in Australia back in February 2008, an injury that prevented him from playing ODI cricket for 16 months. (Champika Fernando)

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Comments - 37

Manuel Benjamin Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:31 AM

He will even go on his knees to partake IPL. Greedy fellow.

Man Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:47 AM

He would have been dropped a long time ago and let him play T20 franchises, to earn money, as he wishes.

Ra Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:55 AM

Such a selfish fellow Sri Lanka has ever produced. He plays for money not for country. He is getting reday for IPL. Actually he should not be selected not only for this but for any future Intl cricket.

onlooker Tuesday, 15 March 2016 09:12 AM

Everyone plays for money. No one plays without being paid. They're professionals and it's their job.

Jeeshan Tuesday, 15 March 2016 09:20 AM

Funny how obvious it has become to everyone, and how the player is making it obvious about his preference to play in IPL over his natural colors. All of a sudden, dramatically he will be 99% fit, a month before IPL. What bone injury? When? Pretty sure the selectors know this well enough. But in future its better for Sri Lanka cricket to distance itself from mercenaries. Honor of wearing your own shirt should come way before money.

usoof Tuesday, 15 March 2016 09:45 AM

Sri Lanka cricket should have some control over the contracted players for playing in IPL. IPL destroyed Dilshan like wise Malinga very soon..

Bingo Tuesday, 15 March 2016 09:53 AM

What a country.seems like people has forgotten all he did for the country in the past. He is a professional too and need to earn money when he is not too old. Just get on with that guys..

John the Baptise Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:05 AM

Mr John why not you donate all the money and wealth you have to a Childrend Orpahnage and you too settle down there. Since you do not want money

Desmond Jeromme Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:29 AM

Absolutely correct. This fellow always runs behind dollars.

Horri Jimonis Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:30 AM

Ofcourse, no doubt. He should not be allowed to travel to India hereafter.

Rizvi Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:40 AM

IPL is around the corner. He does not want to take a risk.

Leo Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:32 AM

Take this Tendulkas Chapathi to PRECIFAC and investigate his tax payments. via DM Android App

Mohamed Tuesday, 15 March 2016 10:58 AM

Hi guys, most of you all said it, this joker is not a cricketer but a money-maker. He doesn't deserve to be a cricketer, it's a disgrace to SL cricket.

Sincere Tuesday, 15 March 2016 11:07 AM

You cannot expect anything decent from him.

shehan Tuesday, 15 March 2016 11:18 AM

He was always never fit to play for his country but always fit for Mumbai Indians. He has come from Rags to riches because of IPL which has spoiled him.

kulendran Tuesday, 15 March 2016 11:44 AM

Bring him back and put him behind the bars. NO IPL, NO CRICKET! People dying to play for the country. How could someone like M.....a can make a statement like this. We don't accept this from you.

Nanda Tuesday, 15 March 2016 12:30 PM

DIlshan is not as bad as him. He gives 100% on the field. Malinga may be more talented , but is utterly selfish-like a mercenary.

Rosh Tuesday, 15 March 2016 12:30 PM

All his injury problems are only when he has to play for Sri Lanka. Never injured during IPL and Big Bash.

Kumar Tuesday, 15 March 2016 12:32 PM

I've nothing against players trying to earn money as cricketers, they have a limited time frame in which to do so. However it has become quite evident to everyone that Malinga has appeared bored to represent SL over the past couple years. If he shows an equal amount of commitment when playing for SL compared to that if his IPL franchise I'm really not bothered how much he earns at the IPL. via DM Android App

cheers Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:34 AM

Thank you for your clarification and Aravinda should be now questioned by PRECIFAC?????

vasaliya Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:00 AM

Taking a rest to play IPL 2016. This fellow and Dilshan only want money money money

John Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:03 AM

these guys are addicted to MONEY. Leave them alone.

saman Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:11 AM

Just enjoy your flight and 5 star accomodation Lasith.... Your selection in this case is a little thank you from the selectors for all the hard work you have done in the past! New players? Stuff them!

Mangala Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:14 AM

He is a half baked cake. The baked part will be sold in Mumbai. All players should be banned from playing IPL.

slay1950 Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:16 AM

He wants to preserve his fitness for the IPL.

dham Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:18 AM

70 SL No50 IPL YesThats Malinga via DM Android App

Independent Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:21 AM

Yes. He became rich from nowhere. He was a net bowler paid only Rs. 200. Now he is playing for money.

Benil Fernando Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:21 AM

It appears that Malinga is not willing to play . I think if he is not willing to represent the Country just treat him like a normal businessmen, who accumulates as much as possible.

Jim K Tuesday, 15 March 2016 05:53 AM

If IPL was there he will Definitly play for Mumbay Indian team. Even with injury.

Punchirala Tuesday, 15 March 2016 07:35 AM

That may be for money, but even if he does not get wicket or his team does not win it will not affect our country. Here he is giving the chance to a younger player.

kaboos Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:07 AM

Please convey the same message to Mumbai Indians. I know malinga definitely you will play with one foot. Your statement shows your origin.

mnsmart Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:09 AM

But he will be fit to play IPL, un sporty character

rishard Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:13 AM

he want to save him for IPL which starts soon after WORLD 20. money hungry fellow

Poorna Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:14 AM

Look out its raining sixes and fours by the opposition.

Pathi Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:19 AM

Injury will be cured soon if IPL is coming.

Wesko Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:25 AM

Yes , Dollar works....

saheer Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:31 AM

He wants more time to recover and to be fit to play for IPL only.He knows that if he can play one IPL,will be equal to 10 years of National representation in terms of money.

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Malinga attacks new selection committee

Comments - 37

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