ICL 10th TEAM WILL BE LANKAN LIONS

[ghajini]

Star players linked with secret ICL talks

Though uncertainty hangs over Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) decision to revoke the ban on Indian Cricket League (ICL) players, several key young Sri Lanka cricketers are reportedly negotiating with ICL organisers to take part in the next ICL season starting on October 10.

Several talented youngsters such as Malinga Bandara, Gayan Wijekoon, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Anil Rideegammanagedara, Danuka Pathirana and Bathiya Perera are among the players reportedly linked with ICL negotiations, according to sources.

With Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge showing his displeasure over the Arjuna Ranatunga led SLC interim committee’s decision to remove the ban and talking of a likely re-enforcement of the ban, players who opt for ICL are likely never to get another chance to play for Sri Lanka.

Sources said that negotiations were on to field a Sri Lanka team under the name “Lanka Lions” for the tournament, but an alleged dispute between Sri Lanka’s ICL player agent and a very senior player is reportedly holding back the plans now.

The senior player who played in previous ICL tournaments has reportedly claimed that he would organise the team while the Agent is also alleged to claim the credit for organising the local team.

There is reportedly a heavy commission for whoever fields a team for the cash-rich ICL tournament.

Pakistan fielded a separate team in March 2008 ICL tournament and finished runners up, while Bangladesh recently formed a team for the ICL as well. So, Sri Lanka are also likely to field a team of their own for the next edition.

The first edition of the ICL Twenty20 tournament started on November 30 last year. The league consisted of six teams with the matches played at Panchkula, near Chandigarh. It concluded on December 16 with the Chennai Superstars winning the first title. The second edition was a 50 over tournament played from January 7 to January 28 at Mayajaal Cricket Ground, near Chennai, with Chennai Superstars winning the title again. The third edition which commenced on March 9 saw the league expanded to eight teams and matches being played at two further venues, Hyderabad and Gurgaon. Hyderabad Heroes won the third edition

Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu captained Delhi Giants while Chandana and Arnold also played in the first tournament. Saman Jayantha and Aviska Gunawardena played in the second tournament with Ranmore Martinez officiating as an umpire.

Following players are reported to have had discussions with the ICL organisers, but the Sri Lanka team is yet to be finalised.Marvan Attapatu (captian), Aviska Guanwardena, Saman Jayantha, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Malinga Bandara, Dilhara Lokkuhettege, Gayan Wijekoon, Lanka De Silva, Anil Reedigamannagedara, Hasantha Fernando, Ruchira Perera, Shantha Kalavitigoda, Danuka Pathirana, Bathiya Perera, Indika De Saram, Ranga Dias

The manager cum coach - Hemantha Wickremaratne.

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