Return to domestic cricket for national selection, SLC selectors warn Malinga

2 May 2018 09:01 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selectors are reportedly upset with pacer Lasith Malinga for apparently wasting his time as bowling mentor of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians and issued the 34-year-old an ultimatum to return home to play domestic cricket if he intended to be recalled to the national side, the NDTV reported.

Malinga, who last played for the Islanders more than seven months ago in the home series against India, was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2018 season. He went unsold at the IPL auction and then opted for a stint as a mentor for the Mumbai Indians franchise. Malinga was named for Sri Lanka's domestic Inter-Provincial one-day tournament but prior to the announcement of the squads, which gets underway on Wednesday, Malinga posted a video message declining to play any domestic cricket until the IPL was over.

In the video, he had mentioned that he was ready to make an international comeback during the home series against South Africa in July. "The selectors will have to make a call in case Lasith doesn't play any domestic cricket," SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala was quoted as saying by cricbuzz on Tuesday.

"I do believe that we can make use of him for T20 Internationals. We wouldn't have had any problem had he been playing matches at the IPL, but the issue is that he is on the bench," remarked Sumathipala.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva warned Malinga that his refusal to play in the domestic tournament may shut the door on his international selection.

"We have informed Lasith that he has been selected. If he doesn't play the Inter-Provincial tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him," de Silva said.

Since his return from injury, the fast bowler has taken just 10 wickets in 13 ODIs. South Africa will play five ODIs and a T20 International during their five-week tour of Sri Lanka that kicks off with a two-match Test series.

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Comments - 12

Lankanboy Wednesday, 02 May 2018 09:36 AM

I think selectors are fair here. Malinga seems to be after Money.

Man Wednesday, 02 May 2018 09:54 AM

He is after money. He is useless as he cannot bowl yorkers, continuously like Joel Garner did.

Dam Wednesday, 02 May 2018 10:15 AM

Famous for blaming someone. He went because he was given negative responses and was not selected for certain matches. Therefore he has right to chose to keep his cricket going

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 02 May 2018 11:27 AM

Still he can be a potent force.

Warra Wednesday, 02 May 2018 12:26 PM

It is clear! He lost his lust to play at his best for the nation, and greed took the better of him.

Ceylonese Wednesday, 02 May 2018 01:18 PM

What a U turn by SLC. I think the change of Minister caused it.

Rajan Wednesday, 02 May 2018 01:21 PM

This is our problem. Let Malingo go, He had his spell. No purpose in haggling with him. Selectors should bring in new/young blood and groom them. They are our future.

Ajith Wednesday, 02 May 2018 01:59 PM

Will they still select Mathews for the WI series after his dismal performances in ongoing Inter-Provincial tournament ?

Randy Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:47 PM

Yes because he is still better than most available and is a proven champion.

srilankan Wednesday, 02 May 2018 02:10 PM

sudden fame, lack of composure, and surrounded by idiots, was the key to malinga's downfall!!!!its better you retire gracefully than being a waterboy for the Mumbai Indians IPL team!!!! unless and otherwise you prefer the few peanuts they through at you for consolation out of mercy!!!!

Sumathipala Wednesday, 02 May 2018 03:22 PM

Imagine this. You are one of the most talented players in the world. On one hand, you are being offered scraps and glory (upon a platter of corruption). On the other hand you are being offered Millions and glory. What would you choose?(We sometimes forget celebrities are also human. They have personal lives and needs just like us. Cricket is their job, and they aren't bound by law to entertain us ungrateful citizens of the banana republic)

Ruwan Wednesday, 02 May 2018 03:51 PM

Fine. He must select one or the other

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Return to domestic cricket for national selection, SLC selectors warn Malinga

Comments - 12

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