SLC asks Lasith Malinga to play domestic cricket if he wants to be considered for national selection

The Sri Lankan Cricket is reportedly unhappy with pacer Lasith Malinga. The board feels that he had been wasting his time doing mentorship for the Mumbai Indians. They have issued an ultimatum to the 34-year-old asking him to return and play domestic cricket if he wants to be considered for national selection.

Malinga last represented Sri Lanka way back in August when India visited the Islanders. It was a forgettable series for the hosts as they were whitewashed in every format. Furthermore, Malinga wasn’t retained by Mumbai Indians and went unsold in the auctions following which he was appointed as the mentor for Mumbai.

Earlier, the SLC had named Malinga for their domestic 50 over tournament. The squads are supposed to be announced today. However, Malinga posted a video message refusing to play any domestic games during the Indian Premier League. This was in order to honor his commitments as the bowling mentor.

If he doesn’t play the domestic tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him

The Sri Lankan Cricket wasn’t pleased with the same as both President and CEO warned him the consequences of his actions. While Malinga intends to make a comeback in the home series against the Proteas, SLC have made sure they won’t consider him if he declines to play domestic cricket.

“The selectors will have to make a call in case Lasith doesn’t play any domestic cricket. I do believe that we can make use of him for T20 Internationals. We wouldn’t have had any problem had he been playing matches at the IPL, but the issue is that he is on the bench,” SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told that the message had been conveyed to Malinga. He’s unlikely to be considered if he went on with the IPL. “We have informed Lasith that he has been selected. If he doesn’t play the Inter-Provincial tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him.”

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