Lanka Premier League 2020: Munaf Patel Joins Kandy Tuskers; Sarfaraz Ahmed Opts Out; Lasith Malinga And Chris Gayle's Participation Doubtful

Munaf Patel, the 2011 World Cup winner and former Indian pacer, has been roped in by Kandy Tuskers for the inaugural season of the Lanka Premier League.

The 1st season of the Lanka Premier League is set to kickstart from November 26. The news of Munaf Patel, who represented India in 13 Tests, 70 ODIs, and three Twenty20 Internationals, joining the fledgling league was announced by the LPL’s official Twitter handle

“Former India fast bowler Munaf Patel has signed a contract to @KandyTuskers,” the LPL wrote on its official Twitter account.

Meanwhile, the Lanka Premier League is currently grappling with the uncertainty over the availability of star cricketers for its maiden edition.

Former Pakistan captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was supposed to lead the Galle Gladiators has pulled out of the tournament after he was picked in the national team squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

“Sarfaraz has been selected in the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand tour and hence he is not traveling (to Sri Lanka),” Moin Khan, the Galle Gladiator head coach, was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

“Now we have to decide on the new captain. Will sit with the team owner and the management and decide in a day or two.” he added.

The Galle Gladiators could be in for another body-blow as their star pacer, Lasith Malinga, is mulling over pulling out of the first season due to the lack of training in the past few months. Malinga had also opted out of the 13th season of the Indian Premier League, citing personal reasons.

Apart from Lasith Malinga, uncertainty looms over the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle’s involvement in the competition.

Gayle, who had been roped in by Kandy Tuskers, is reportedly still negotiating his contract with the owners.

“There is also uncertainty about Chris Gayle’s involvement in the league … Gayle is still negotiating the terms of his contract with the Tuskers,” according to a report in ESPNCricinfo.

The opening game of the Lanka Premier League will see Colombo Kings square off against Kandy Tuskers at Hambantota on November 26.

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