Malinga refuses SLC Contract

9 November 2016 08:06 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Injured pacer Lasith Malinga had refused the Annual Cricket Contract offered to him by his employer - Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the 2016/2017 period.

Malinga, the world’s most feared limited over player with a sling arm action is recovering from a stress reaction in the knee.

Malinga suffered the injury during Sri Lanka's home series against the West Indies last November and has played only one competitive game since, missing the World Twenty20 in India as well.

“They (SLC) offered me a contract. But, since I have not played any cricket over a year, I said ‘NO’,” Malinga said in an interview with Daily Mirror.

“ But I am honoured to get a contract even when I am out of cricket for sometime. If I accept it, it’s unfair by others. Instead I told them to give me an opportunity to play.”

In August, Malinga hit the nets as he declared himself fit to play in the limited over series against Australia.
However, he was not selected for the series as the SLC doctors deemed him unfit to play.

Malinga now believes he could make a return to international cricket during the two-match T20 series against South Africa in January next year.

“I think I have recovered around 60 percent now. With over two months left for the series, I think I will be in good physical conditions to play in the T20 series. I don’t want to put too much pressure by playing in the 50-over matches at this stage. So, I will start with the T20s now and hopefully I will be ready for the Champions Trophy in England. I would love to be part of that tournament and give my best to the country,” he added.

Malinga was also critical of the selectors who included him for the World T20 Team despite the injury.

“ I don’t understand their thinking. When I said I am injured, they insisted I play and when I said I am fit, they didn’t select me. Any way I have played over 13 years for my country and I am immensely satisfied with what I have achieved during that period,” he added.

Malinga who is the first bowler since D. S. de Silva to lead the national side said that he expects more bowlers to be given the role of national captaincy.

“Bowlers are as good as anyone to lead the side. I proved it and now Rangana proved it. I hope we will have more bowling skippers in the future,” he concluded. (Sanath Desmond)

Video by Sanath Desmond

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 9

Cricket Fan Wednesday, 09 November 2016 06:49 AM

Malinga when is the IPL starting via DM Android App

Kaboos Wednesday, 09 November 2016 08:28 AM

Timber shows his class. Sri Lanka cricket should take disciplinary action against him and inform other cricket board not to accommodate in their domestic tournaments.It will be deterent to other players. i

Chandler Wednesday, 09 November 2016 08:34 AM

O' yeah !!

Katus Wednesday, 09 November 2016 09:36 AM

Follow what West Indies Cricket did to Pollard,

Marc Lewis Wednesday, 09 November 2016 09:47 AM

Leave the fellow alone. Let him decide what's best for him.When he's in trouble you and me are not going to help or bail him out.

Roman Wednesday, 09 November 2016 11:19 AM

start with the IPL T20s!

SD Wednesday, 09 November 2016 11:34 AM

Your justification well accepted Malinga. But same time you need to refrain of participating IPL for min 2 years as that's where the injury takes place due to intensity of bowling and pressure since only money talks. Its effecting National side agenda and recovery process is very expensive.

Anja Wednesday, 09 November 2016 04:41 PM

This guy wants to get some match practice before the IPL .

ET Thursday, 10 November 2016 06:15 AM

He is in the twilight of his carrier. He is slow now. So get the best of him by playing him so that young bowlers can associate and catch his finer points. No point in doing anything else.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Malinga refuses SLC Contract

Comments - 9

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand