Sri Lanka Cricket to ban players, chipping in ICL tournament

Colombo, Aug 10 (UNI) Amid speculation of several senior players joining the ICL, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has threatened to ban the Lankan cricketers who will sign for the million-dollar Twenty20 league.

The decision come close on the heels of identical moves by the SLC's sub-continental counterparts: the BCCI and PCB.

''In the event any individual signs or participates in any tournament or league in any capacity whatsoever other than Sri Lanka Cricket approved tournaments, the individual concerned shall not be eligible to participate in any cricket related activities other than conducted under the auspices of Sri Lanka Cricket,'' the SLC said When contacted by the UNI, SLC secretary Gangatharan Mathivanan said any players signs or participates in such leagues or tournaments will not be considered ''eligible for selection'' to represent Sri Lanka here and abroad.

''Sri Lankan players who partake in such tournaments or leagues, which are not recognised by the SLC, will not be allowed to play on Sri Lankan behalf nationally or internationally in the future,'' he said.

Mathivan said the SLC made this ''unanimous decision'' when the interim body met here in Colombo yesterday to decide on the ICL cricket tournament.

The statement by the SLC came amid reports that key Sri Lankan players were approached by the ICL to play in the multi-million dollar tournament.

Former captain Marvan Atapattu, 36, was granted release from his central contract earlier this week after requesting that the deal worth 100,000 dollar per annum plus tour and match fees be terminated early.

Atapattu's decision is believed to have been prompted by his desire to play in the ICL tournament scheduled for later this year.

UNI