Malinga to play domestic 50-over tournament

Lasith Malinga will now be available for the domestic 50-over tournament starting next week. Malinga who played for Mumbai Indians in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) will play the entire tournament.

The decision was reached after he consulted he Mumbai Indians management on whether he would be allowed to participate in the domestic one-day tournament, which will be played between April 4 to 11.

“We have asked him to play the entire tournament as captain of the Sourthern Province team,” said Chief Selector Asantha de Mel.

Malinga, 35 is expected to return to Sri Lanka to play in the domestic one-dayers, after the April 3 match against Chennai Super Kings and miss about three matches in case his team - Galle - reach the final.

The SLC had earlier stipulated that Malinga must play in the weeklong provincial one-day tournament in Sri Lanka in order to be considered for selection in the World Cup squad. But changed their stance later due to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board.