The decision from the IPL governing body to ban Sri Lankan players from games in Chennai has caused controversy in the league.
Following security concerns in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu it was announced on Tuesday that Sri Lankan players would not play any IPL matches in Chennai.
The decision was made after several Sri Lanka nationals were attacked in the area and the island’s government raised concerns about their cricketers taking part in the IPL there.
However, the decision has raised issues with other IPL franchises as they believe the ban gives the Chennai Super Kings an advantage when playing at home.
This is because many sides have key players in their team from Sri Lanka, who of course will now not play in games at Chennai.
The Delhi Daredevils and new side Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to be captained by Sri Lankans – Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara respectively – and have one other key Sri Lanka player each.
Pune Warriors India and Royal Challengers Bangalore also have two important Sri Lankan squad players and Mumbai Indians’ Lasith Malinga is regarded as one of the most dangerous bowlers in Twenty20 cricket.
Whilst the Super Kings do have two Sri Lankans on their books themselves, Akila Dananjaya and Nuwan Kulasekara, the bowlers are not considered to be as crucial for the side due to Chennai’s large overseas contingent – which includes Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel and Ben Hilfenhaus.
IPL franchises are disappointed that they were not consulted before the decision over the Sri Lanka players was made and will now have to prepare for their games in Chennai with a different game-plan.
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