Sri Lanka call back Angelo Mathews, Gunaratne for Champions Trophy preparations

The Sri Lanka Cricket has apparently recalled two of their key players midway through the Indian Premier League (IPL). Angelo Mathews and Asela Gunaratne are expected to join the national squad for their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Angelo Mathews has been named as the captain of the 15-man squad that will tour England for the mega ICC event commencing on June 1.

As per the recent information, both cricketers have been recalled earlier than scheduled in order to beef up the preparatory levels of Sri Lankan team. One of the administrators of the Sri Lanka Cricket took to the social media site Twitter to disclose the news recently. He noted that all-rounder Asela Gunaratne has been called back from the IPL on May 1 itself.

On the other hand, the skipper Mathews will be a part of the IPL till the first week of May before heading back to Sri Lanka on May 9. In his tweet, he wrote, “Sri Lanka recall Angelo Mathews (9th May) and Asela (01 May) from IPL to prepare for Champions Trophy. Malinga to play entire IPL #SriLanka.”

Sri Lanka recall Angelo Mathews (9th May) and Asela (01 May) from IPL to prepare for Champions Trophy. Malinga to play entire IPL #SriLanka

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) May 2, 2017

Currently, Angelo is a part of the Delhi Daredevils lineup. He has not been a regular face in the playing eleven of the Delhi camp. Mathews has been a perennial member of the Indian Premier League over the years. He has been a part of the Delhi Daredevils from the last couple of seasons. Prior to that, he had been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup.

On the other hand, this edition of the T20 league was the first taste of the IPL for all-rounder Asela Gunaratne. Gunaratne was bought by the Mumbai Indians at the IPL auctions 2017. His heroics in the international series against South Africa and Australia had earned him an IPL contract this year. However, he did not get a game to his name this season.