IPL 2019 | Need to gather our thoughts about Malinga situation, asserts Mahela Jayawardene

Sri Lankan selectors have allegedly told their national players that in order to play the 2019 World Cup they must participate in the domestic Super Provincial One-Day tournament which will go on from April 4 to April 11. Malinga, who was purchased by Mumbai for 2 crores, has opted to play in the domestic tournament rather than travel to India for the IPL.

The 35-year-old pacer stated that it would be better for Mumbai to replace him for the whole tournament as he will have to miss a chunk of games at the start. Mahela Jayawardene, a former teammate of Malinga, revealed that they received the report on the pacer on Friday and are currently assessing the situation.

"Report about Malinga came in last night. We need to gather our thoughts. When we got him at the auction, Sri Lanka Cricket gave his availability schedule and this tournament wasn't part of that. That is a separate conversation to be made and we'll let you know what happens after we have a word with SLC," Jayawardene said ahead of the IPL-12 opening match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Sri Lankan pacer, Lasith Malinga, is the Indian Premier League’s highest wicket-taker having picked up 154 wickets at an average of 19.01, and an economy rate of 6.86. 

“I had asked the [Sri Lanka] board for a No-Objection Certificate for me to play in the IPL, and they had said that was fine, but that all players who want to go to the World Cup would need to stay back for the provincial tournament.

“So I told them I’d play in the provincial tournament, and I asked the board to inform Mumbai Indians and IPL, since it was their decision. I’m okay with losing those earnings from IPL. I’m doing it for the country,” Malinga was earlier quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

In addition to that, Jayawardene confirmed that New Zealand pacer Adam Milne has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of the IPL.