IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga to Miss Domestic One-Dayers to Focus on IPL Role

Senior Sri Lanka fast-bowler, Lasith Malinga has decided to skip the domestic one-dayer for Dambulla and stay in India, where he is currently serving as a bowling mentor to the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad.

Meanwhile, this comes a day after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had made its stance on Lasith Malinga clear. They admitted the veteran pacer would have to prove himself in the domestic circuit for a possible national team return.

Moreover, he has missed the first game of Sri Lanka’s domestic inter-provincial one-day tournament. However, he is still hopeful to return to the team when Sri Lanka host South Africa in July.

“My work with the Mumbai Indians is due to end on about May 25 or 26. But after that I am fit enough to train, play whatever practice matches that are scheduled, and if I am good enough, the selectors can pick me,” Malinga said to ESPN Cricinfo.

Malinga needs to domestic cricket for return

The pacer last played for the country back in September last year. He also went unsold at the auctions of the Indian Premier League early this year.

He had played in SLC’s club T20 tournament in January-February where he finished, as the joint-highest wicket-taker, with 17 scalps.

SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala admitted Malinga has to play domestic cricket. He also said the selectors wanted him and if he decides not to play, then it will be the selector’s call.

“The selectors wanted him back, and he has to play domestic cricket according to them. We’re playing our white-ball tournament, and 50-over and T20. I’m sure before the next international engagement which is South Africa and then the Asia Cup and so forth, he needs to play T20 games and 50 overs. If Lasith is not playing a domestic tournament, the selectors will have to make a call,” SLC President said.

Meanwhile, Mumbai has had the worst tournament so far with only two wins from seven games in this season of IPL 2018. They will have to shift gears against Kings XI Punjab to give themselves any chance of qualifying.

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