Lankan players to participate in IPL till May 18

The SLC earlier ordered the Sri Lankan players to return by May 5 to take part in the England tour.

The Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) Board on Thursday relented to the request made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and gave the nod to its players to participate in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament till May 18.

The Lankan players will now leave for London from here on May 18.

The BCCI earlier on Thursday termed the decision of the SLC Board to recall its players from the ongoing IPL tournament as inappropriate,saying it is making all attempts to sort out the crisis.

“England tour,most probably is going to start from May 28 or 29,so what we have suggested that even if you (Sri Lankan players) go on May 21,you can easily attend your England tour,but they are reluctant. So,we are trying to find out a solution and resolve the issue,” said BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla.

“This matter needs a policy change. This matter can only be discussed at a governing council,” he added.

The Lankan Government and SLC had earlier decided to stick to their decision of calling back national cricketers,playing in the fourth edition of the IPL,by May 5.

Early in April,they had ordered the players to return to the country to prepare for the upcoming England tour.