IPL 2019: Sri Lanka Cricket Grant Permission to Lasith Malinga to Play For Mumbai Indians

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have granted permission to veteran fast-bowler Lasith Malinga to take part in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Initially, the cricket body have asked Maling a feature in the Super Provincial One Day Tournament to prepare for the upcoming ICC World Cup. However, they have changed their stance now stating that Maling will get to play against stronger oppositions in IPL which will give him an opportunity to prepare better. Meanwhile, this will be a massive boost for the three-time champions Mumbai Indians.

Massive boost for Mumbai

The Rohit Sharam-led side started their IPL 2019 campaign with a loss against the Delhi Capitals. During the course of the game, Jasprit Bumrah – Mumbai Indians’ main pacer suffered an injury. There is no clear news about his further participation in the tournament considering the World Cup in only two months time, and with Adam Milne already out, Lasith Malinga’s availability will help the franchise breath a sigh of relief.

As per reports, former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jawayardene, who is currently the head coach of the Mumbai Indians have played a pivotal role in change the decision by the SLC. The apex body of Sri Lanka tweeted to reveal their changed decision on Lasith Malinga’s participation in IPL.

SLC decided to give permission to Lasith Malinga to play in the ongoing IPL.The management decided to release Malinga from participating in the Super Provincial; since he would get an opportunity to play with much stronger opposition in IPL;which consist of international players

— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) March 26, 2019

Lasith Maling is the highest wicket-taker of the Mumbai Indians and has rejoined the franchise after serving as the bowling coach last year. So far, Malinga has played 127 games for Mumbai Indians with 179 wickets to his tally at the economy rate of 6.88. The veteran fast bowler has regained his fitness and has led the national side in recent times. With his variations on, the Mumbai franchise will hope that the old horse can help them return to winning ways.

Meanwhile, after losing the first match, Mumbai Indians will look to return to winning ways when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 28. They failed to perform as a unit and will have to come good as a team. However, the form of Yuvraj Singh – who scored a fifty in the first game, will be a positive sign for them.