Sri Lanka board threatens to ban players joining ICL

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has threatened to ban any national player who signs up for the Indian Cricket League (ICL). Sri Lankan players participating in any "tournament or league other than Sri Lanka Cricket-approved events shall not be eligible for selection to represent Sri Lanka," an SLC statement said.

Kangadaran Mathivanan, the board secretary, said those who played in the ICL would also not be associated with any official cricket activity in Sri Lanka. "They will not be considered for selection to play even domestic cricket, hold any position in the cricket administration or officiate as umpires or commentators," Mathivanan said.

Mathivanan said no current Sri Lankan player had approached the board with an intention to take part in the ICL. Marvan Atapattu, the former captain, is the only Sri Lankan player to have a confirmed interest in the ICL. Atapattu asked the board to release him from his contract and the board accepted his request.

The board's decision follows a similar one taken by the Indian board which effectively asked the players to choose between it and the ICL. The BCCI issued a statement on Tuesday saying: "Every individual has the right to choose whether he wishes to associate himself with the BCCI or any other organisation. However, if he associates himself with any other organisation, he will not derive any benefit or be connected to any of our activities in any way."

The ICL, which is scheduled for October, will feature six teams playing Twenty20 matches. Each team will comprise four international players, two Indian players, and eight upcoming players. Brian Lara is the only confirmed player on the ICL list.