Johnson Charles receives NOC to play in LPL

By Bipin Dani

West Indian wicket-keeper and batsman Johnson Charles has been given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by his home board (Cricket West Indies) to participate in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

"The 31-year-old St. Lucian, is on the way and is expected to arrive on the 26th," the team's Media Director, Saranga Wijeyarathne told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Charles is a replacement for Ravi Bopara, who pulled out for personal reasons.

On arrival in Hambantota, Charles will be in quarantine and miss his team’s initial matches of the tournament.

The Jaffna Stallions team had a practice session at the Stadium's training complex on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, there is some good news for the Gladiators franchise.

Former Pakistani captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi did not miss flight on Tuesday and was on his way to Hambantota on Tuesday.