Ex-Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga says players from the country should boycott IPL unless they’re allowed to play at all venues.
Following the news that Sri Lankan cricketers would be banned from IPL games in Chennai, former captain Arjuna Ranatunga has urged Sri Lanka players to boycott the tournament.
Trouble between Sri Lankan nationals and certain groups in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has lead to unrest between the two nationalities in the area.
The government of Sri Lanka expressed their concern for players’ safety in the city of Chennai during the IPL tournament and in repsonse, the IPL governing body decided to ban Sri Lankan players from participating in any matches there.
This decision has already caused controversy within the IPL franchises, with sides claiming the Chennai Super Kings now have an advantage as key Sri Lankan players – such as Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad captains Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara – will not be able to play at their ground.
Ranatanga has spoken out against the decision and has urged Sri Lanka players not to be lured by the money from the tournament.
“If you are not welcome in one part of the country then why play in other venues just because of the money,” the former captain said on ESPNcricinfo.
“Sri Lankan cricketers are not as well-paid as some of their counterparts and playing in the IPL is a huge attraction but by giving the tournament a skip they make a statement.”
There are currently 12 Sri Lankan cricketers due to play for sides in the IPL. As well as Jayawardene and Sangakkara, important players include Lasith Malinga at Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Muttiah Muralitharan.
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