Cricket fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the 13th edition of Indian Premier League which is now scheduled to begin from September 19. The event was earlier cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but now the BCCI has announced the final dates of the tournament.
As the franchises prepare to bring all the players together for the training camp, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have suffered a huge setback. Sri Lankan players Lasith Malinga and Isuru Udana are expected to join their respective teams a bit late for the IPL 13th edition by at least 7-8 days.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s newbie Isuru Udana and Mumbai Indians pace expert Malinga, both are planned to play in the Lankan Premier League (LPL) which starts from August 28th. Though there is some uncertainty on the event, as per to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), no Lankan player will be permitted to leave the game mid-way for IPL 2020 or any other match.
LPL finals are scheduled for one day post the start of IPL 2020, that is 20th September. Both the Sri Lankan players Malinga and Udana also would need to quarantine themselves for 72 hours after arriving at UAE. All this will hook them back by minimum 7-8 days before they join their respective teams.
Over the years Malinga has been very significant member of MI squad with 177 scalps in 122 games. In spite of his fading skills, he is still considered as chief component in the wheel for the Mumbai team.
In contrast, Udana is a tenderfoot to the IPL and RCB and Virat Kohli’s team choose him up for his mysterious action and brilliant skills to change the pace of the ball at his will.
