Sri Lanka wants big bash stars for national duty

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has asked two of its three national squad members playing in the ongoing Australian big bash to return home immediately.
Chairman of selectors, Sanath Jayasuriya said he had asked the SLC to summon back Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis in view of the packed schedule ahead of the national team.
"We have a busy international programme so it is important for players to attend training," Jayasuriya said.
Sri Lanka is due to tour Bangladesh for a bilateral series end of this month and then take part in Asia Cup and the World Twenty20, also to be staged there in February-March.

Malinga playing for Melbourne Stars and Mendis for Sydney Thunder have been asked to return tomorrow in order to train with the national squad.
Sri Lankan administration was said to be frustrated with Malinga's decision to skip national duties while making himself available for cash rich T20 leagues overseas.

Malinga has a habit of citing a niggling injury and skip national duties.
Sri Lanka did not permit all rounder Thisara Perera to take part in the big bash as he developed injuries and his performance level slumped.
Tillakaratne Dilshan, now retired from Tests and Muttiah Muralitharan are the other Sri Lankans featuring in Big Bash.

SLC sources said that the Melbourne Stars have asked for permission to allow Malinga to stay until the Big Bash reached the semifinal stage later this month.