Ex-co tells Malinga to choose between Mumbai and Southern Express
It all points out that Sri Lanka’s pace ace Lasith Malinga will play for the Mumbai Indians in the Champion’s League T-20 tournament this year.
After the last Indian IPL tournament, the Mumbai Indians had requested Malinga to represent them at this tournament. Accordingly, Malinga sought the SLC ex-co’s permission to play for the Indian team.
Initially when Malinga led the Southern Express Xl to win the final of the Super Fours T-20 tournament beating Udarata Rulers by 4 runs, it was a question as to which team Malinga would finally opt to play when it really came to a crux.
When inquired, a senior ex-co member said: “We gave Malinga the option to choose as to which team he is going to represent at the Champions League T-20. The last time when this same problem arose we gave Kumar Sangakkara the same option and therefore, the ex-co decided to stay consistent with the policy.”
Though he has not intimated officially to the board’s reply to his letter, it is reported that Malinga has still not made up his mind, but, made a statement to some SLC officials about his feelings on the matter.
Meanwhile National Spin Bowling coach Piyal Wijetunga became the second from the Lankan coaching department join Haturusinghe and company in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka Cricket has agreed to release the former left arm national spin bowler from August 1 this year. Earlier former National team trainer Mario Villavarayan joined the Bangladesh coaching team as their trainer.
When asked who would take over the duties to look after the local spinners the SLC senior spokesman said “Niroshan Bandaratilleke and Ajith Ekanayake have been drafted into the main stream after being district coaches and they will look after for now. The position then will be advertised and filled after scrutiny”.
However it is learnt that the Lankan spin ace Muttiah Muralitharan has turned down an SLCapproach for him to become the National Spin Bowling coach citing his business and cricketing commitments. However Muralitharan had promised that he would help-out in the spin bowling segment whenever time permits.
News about allrounder Thisara Perera says – The doctors who are handling Perera have stated “he is making steady progress and if he is ready, he can start training and gym work now under supervision”. But the doctors also have advised SLC, stating that Thisara needs a special person to talk and help boost his confidence and recover his form.
It is also understood that the void created by Naveed Navaz’s exit as Under 19 national coach may be filled by Roger Wijesuriya who is now performing his duties as the National under 15 and 17 coach.