Sanath Jayasuriya turns his back on Indian League - Lakbimanews

Jayasuriya turns his back on Indian League

Ranjan Paranavithana

Veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya yesterday turned down a half a million dollar contract with the proposed Indian Cricket League just hours after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) threatened to ban any Sri Lankan players joining the ‘controversial’ league.
Jayasuriya, a veteran of 398 ODI’s, has been reportedly offered a US$ 500,000 to accept a three year contract, but the opener said that he decided to stick to his central contract with Sri Lanka Cricket.
“I had a long thought about it before reaching the decision. Financially it was a good offer. But I am a contracted player with the SLC. So it’s not right to take up anything else right now,” Jayasuriya told LAKBIMAnEWS.
The names of Jayasuriya, former skipper Marvan Atapattu and retired batsman Russel Arnold are linked with the ICL. Only Atapattu has confirmed an interest in the ICL.
Jayasuriya, who reportedly earns a handsome US$ 100,000 per year from the SLC, however, denied that he had made a request to the SLC asking for his release to play in the ICL.
“There’s no reason for me to put forward a request, because my interest is with the national team.
“I am looking forward to our next assignments against England and Australia,” he added.
Meanwhile, the SLC has threatened to ban any Sri Lankan player who signs up for the Indian Cricket League. Sri Lankan players participating in any ‘tournament or league other than Sri Lanka Cricket approved events shall not be eligible for selection to represent Sri Lanka,’ an SLC statement said.
“They will not be considered for selection to play even domestic cricket, hold any position in the cricket administration or officiate as umpires or commentators,” SLC secretary K. Mathivanan said.
Jayasuriya, who will be the only player to feature in 400 ODIs (398 at present) during the home series against England, is due to arrive in the country today after completing a month long personal visit to Europe.
Meanwhile, a top Sri Lankan cricketer said that the board’s decision to ban players from playing the proposed league is outrageous.
“It’s not fair at all. Let our club cricketers earn some money, something more than what they earn when they can. It’s just like playing club cricket in England, Australia or any other country,” the player who wished to be anonymous said.