Irfan Pathan among probables to take part in Lanka Premier League

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian cricketer, could be a massive attraction in the inaugural Lanka Premier League, scheduled to get underway on August 28. The southpaw is among the 70 foreign players, who have shown interest to take part in the championship. Earlier this year in January, the veteran hung his boots from international cricket.

Pathan made his debut back in 2003 and also became the Player of the Match in the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in Johannesburg. He also played some handy knocks for the Men in Blue at the top of the order. However, Pathan lost his place from the side and even fell off the radar in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

As far as the LPL is concerned, as per reports in ESPNcricinfo, Pathan will now be “put in a player draft unless one of the five franchises choose him to be a marquee player.” Farveez Maharoof, the former Sri Lankan bowler, had asked for Pathan’s name to be included after a banter between them on the social media.

According to the BCCI guidelines, a player can’t take part in foreign leagues until and unless they announce their retirement. Yuvraj Singh bid adieu last year after which he has played in tournaments like the Global T20 Canada and the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

23 matches to be played in Lanka Premier League

On Monday, July 27, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) gave permission for the tournament during an executive meeting. At the present point in time, the cricket board is waiting for a green signal from the government. 23 matches will take place in the tournament between five teams at four international venues.

“The details of the draft, and the franchise owners, are yet to be finalised and announced. SLC is also waiting on some government clearances even as it decides on franchise owners. The five franchises will represent Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Dambulla and Jaffna,” the report said.

“The 23 match League will be played on the four international venues of R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Rangiri Dambulu International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and Suriyawewa Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium,” the SLC mentioned.