Amid the ongoing IPL 2019 season, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is more or less expected to join Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians on March 25 (Monday). For this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has criticized the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that has made Super Provincial One-day tourney – a binding for the players who’re bound to feature in the 2019 World Cup.
IPL 2019: Malinga to miss MI’s opener; BCCI lashes out at SLC –
Thus, Malinga will miss Indians’ opener at their home ground against Delhi Capitals (DC).
According to the Times Now, the sources prior to BCCI vehemently opposed the SLC’s decision for pulling out a vital player from the league. Reports maintained the Boards are constantly in touch to reach to a conclusion following the kick-off of the 12th edition of IPL in Chennai on March 23.
Sri Lankan limited-overs leader Malinga will retire from the top-flight cricket after the culmination of 2020 Twenty20 World Cup scheduled in Australia.
Known for bowling searing Yorkers, Malinga has often witnessed batsmen under the pump. So much so, it is further justified with his 154 wickets – a leading wicket-taker in the history of one of the successful T20 leagues of the world.
IPL 2019: Malinga to fly back home?
Also, it has been revealed that Malinga will join back his local domestic team. He will partake in the league during the mentioned schedule duration.
Earlier, during the IPL Players’ Auction, Indians bought Malinga in INR 2 crore. Recently, the reports suggested Malinga has been ruled out for at least six games. It came only after the dictate from the selectors of SLC.
Pertinently, the home-bound Lankan day-long tournament will run between April 4 to 11. Also, it would ensure the preparations for the World Cup-bound players, according to the Sri Lankan selectors.
Malinga, who’s one of the premium bowlers in the world cricket, has already left an impact in the short-paced tournament. His unavailability has saddened Indians’ fans.
Besides, Malinga as a player is making a return after a prolonged gap.
In the eleventh edition of the IPL, Malinga found no bidders. However, Indians had shown keen interest to rope in, the experienced campaigner as their bowling mentor.
Amid all the hullabaloo, Malinga is likely to join his team Indians at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Apart from this, Rohit Sharma-led Indians will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 28 before battling it out against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on March 30.
Interestingly, Indians will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 3.