No Sri Lankan players in Indian Premier League this year

19 February 2021 10:01 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League, no Sri Lankan cricketers will feature in the tournament which is expected to be held in India, from April till the first week of June.

Even though the country will be represented by Kumar Sangakkara - the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals - Mahela Jayawardene - the head coach of Mumbai Indians - and Muttiah Muralitharan, who is part of the coaching staff at Sunrisers Hyderabad, none of the eight franchises picked any player from the island nation in the IPL 2021 auction in Chennai on Thursday. “We will still have the representation, so we will be happy,” Jayawardene said jokingly after the auction.

“It is a bit disappointing. I think a few guys were on the radar, but it’s a tough place because we are looking at all 20 odd slots for the overseas players, and the majority of those slots were for the fast bowlers and all-rounders. Sri Lanka lacks a bit of that, but I am sure that the younger generation will come through, and till then, it is disheartening. But that is what it is,” Jayawardene said.

“IPL is the place where you try and get the best players in world cricket, and it’s a good message for the Sri Lankan cricketers to lift their game and be competitive so that they could be part of the IPL on their merit,” the former captain added.

Last year, Isuru Udana and Lasith Malinga were part of the IPL, but with Malinga pulling out due to personal reasons, only Udana played for Royal Challengers Bangalore. But he was released ahead of the auction this year and went unsold on Thursday.

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Comments - 18

Buruwa Friday, 19 February 2021 10:27 AM

Thank you Sport Minister.

RoaringCreek Friday, 19 February 2021 10:28 AM

The east terminal is playing in the league?

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 19 February 2021 10:32 AM

Those kottu rotti old arrack drunkards can now play in Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium for SLPL and make the local yakkos proud.

Independent Friday, 19 February 2021 11:58 AM

IPL ruin international cricket. We should ban franchise tournaments which played as a business.

Sambo Saturday, 20 February 2021 10:17 AM

Why sour grapes.

Erangi Thenabadu Friday, 19 February 2021 12:33 PM

Let India fight for terminals. We keep away from cricket with them. Spoil sports.

Su Friday, 19 February 2021 02:54 PM

This is politics. When we are not in good terms this is their rubbish way of showing it.

Vadivelu Yogaratnm Friday, 19 February 2021 03:27 PM

To Buffaloa Citizen Well said sir.

fmr cricketer Friday, 19 February 2021 04:16 PM

VERY GOOD. Now stay at home and learn to play proper cricket. No one else but lankan selectors seem to want you on their teams!

Parame Friday, 19 February 2021 04:47 PM

IPL is managed by franchise. Regarding Pak India is clear as long as you sent terrorists there is no relation. I am big fan of SL cricket even met Jayawardena in Kolkata such a nice block. Nowadays I struggle to remember a good player. Those days I knew the whole team members name by heart. Improve fitness performance IPL rewards that.

Ranjan Dsilva Friday, 19 February 2021 05:22 PM

This is nothing to do with Terminals. We should admit, our players ain't good enough

Kukula Friday, 19 February 2021 05:22 PM

There is nothing wrong in IPL not picking a single Sri Lankan player. It us because no player is upto the IPL franchise standard. Jayawardena rightly mentioned in his statement.

Jaykay Friday, 19 February 2021 05:45 PM

YOU should understand where you stand even in Indian subcontinent.

Chux Friday, 19 February 2021 05:53 PM

That’s shows how bad the brand of cricket we play now but interns of talent we can excite big things soon

dickie bird Friday, 19 February 2021 10:09 PM

let our cricketers focus

tora Friday, 19 February 2021 10:21 PM

How about Angelo Mathews?

Thavamanis Saturday, 20 February 2021 05:26 AM

East terminal playing its part... This is simple logic

Redflame Saturday, 20 February 2021 10:15 AM

When it come to ability, fitness and consistency no SL player can fix into IPL. Current player standards are equal to Indian Team B and Team C standards.

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No Sri Lankan players in Indian Premier League this year

Comments - 18

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