Malinga leaps into another controversy
Once again is it a case of fast bowler Lasith Malinga testing the resolution of Sri Lanka or him trying to match the haughty Sri Lanka Cricket administration on his own standards.
Now it is reported that the injured national speed merchant Malinga who was specifically asked to refrain from taking part in the Indian Premier League tournament where he is turning out as a member of the Mumbai Indians is in India at present and is taking part in their training sessions.
According to our sister newspaper the Daily Mirror, last week it was stated that Lasith Malinga could not play the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) unless he was cleared by SLC’s team of doctors.
The news item further said “Malinga, who led Sri Lanka to the 2014 World Twenty20 title pulled out of this year’s tournament, due to a recurring bone-bruise in his left-knee, but tipped to play for the Mumbai Indians at the IPL from the second half of the tournament.”
Yet, SLC Chief Thilanga Sumathipala said “He cannot play in the IPL unless he gets the clearance from the team of doctors appointed by us. Once the information of the state of his injury is known; we will ask our medical experts to assess his injury to decide, whether he is fit to play or not”.
Sri Lanka Cricket has also initiated a disciplinary inquiry against Malinga for making public statements without permission.
However subsequently it was revealed that Malinga was in Mumbai working with their panel of medical experts. It was also reported that the Lankan fast bowler was working with the Mumbai Indian fast bowling team. It is a well known fact that the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah who also bowls the yorker at will has been influenced by the guidance of Malinda earlier.
When inquired about the situation Secretary Sri Lanka Cricket – Mohan de Silva said “As earlier mentioned, Lasith Malinga will have to face the panel of Lankan Medical experts. We will take further action upon their recommendations, at the earliest possible occasion”.
ESPN Cricinfo added “Mumbai Indians received a boost on Friday evening with their premier fast bowler joining the squad. The Sri Lankan pacer had missed out on their first two matches due to fitness concerns. However, it is not yet known whether Malinga will be available for selection immediately.
“Two days before the IPL started, Mumbai coach had that Malinga was likely to arrive at this stage, but would sit out at least the first half of the tournament to recover from a knee injury. Ponting said he would join the franchise to have his “fitness assessed”. “I believe he will be joining us after the first couple of games to have his fitness assessed,” Ponting had said. “Right now it’s unlikely he will take part in the first half of the tournament anyway.”
Meanwhile former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will be on air during Sri Lanka’s series against England which is scheduled to begin next month. Jayawardene has been signed on by Sky Sports which owns the franchise that has the telecasting rights for ECB matches. Prior to that Mahela worked as England’s batting consultant for the ICC World T-20 2016 in India.
Earlier Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala criticised former national team captain Mahela Jayawardene for taking a role in the England coaching set-up for the World Twenty20.
Jayawardene had been employed as a batting consultant by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) since ending his illustrious international career last year. To this, Mahela replied stating cricket board President Thilanga Sumathipala‘s criticism was ‘disappointing.’ Mahela argued that his ten-day assignment with England was aimed at helping England batsmen improve their techniques in subcontinent conditions and not toward providing any specific tactical information about Sri Lanka or their cricket.