by Madushka Balasuriya 

Sri Lanka Cricket says it has yet to receive any official communication with regard to Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera signing for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“We also got to know about their selection for the IPL through the media, officially we haven’t been notified. We are awaiting an official communique,” SLC CEO Ashley De Silva told DailyFT, when asked about whether the pair would be granted no objection certificates (NOCs).

“Either the franchise owners or the players will have to inform us, only then will a decision be taken by the ExCo (SLC Executive Committee). They will have to assess the situation and take that call collectively along with the selectors.”

While the second part of this year’s IPL – postponed from earlier in the year due to a COVID-19 outbreak – is set to take place from 19 September to 15 October, Sri Lanka will be hosting South Africa in two white-ball series from 2-14 September. Sri Lanka meanwhile will begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a qualifying game against Namibia on 18 October.

De Silva said that any decision on the players’ IPL participation would be taken giving priority to international fixtures.

“The South Africa tour is on, and then we’re going to World Cup - bubble to bubble. International commitments are the priority.”

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