Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera have been given No Objection Certificates from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to take part in IPL 2021. The duo will represent Royal Challengers Bangalore in the competition. However, the Sri Lankan cricketers will not be available for IPL 2021 Playoffs.
Hasaranga and Chameera are replacement signings by RCB
Ahead of the UAE-leg of the competition, RCB has signed the Sri Lankan duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. While Hasaranga replaces Adam Zampa, Chameera will take the place of Daniel Sams. The Aussie duo is unavailable for the competition, and hence, RCB had to make the changes.
The duo have received NOC’s by SLC
A few days after RCB announced the signings, news emerged that the duo was yet to get their NOC’s. However, in an official statement, SLC has confirmed that both can take part in the tournament, starting September 19th in UAE.
The Sri Lankans will not be part of the IPL 2021 Playoffs
The playoffs of the second phase of IPL 2021 will start on October 10th. However, as per SLC, Hasaranga and Chameera will have to leave the IPL camp on that date. The players will be required to join the national team to play in the warm-up matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. This means that that the duo will miss the playoffs.
Sri Lanka Cricket has allowed Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera to be a part of the IPL only till October 10, the date on which Qualifier 1 is scheduled to happen.
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) August 29, 2021
If RCB does reach the playoffs, which they are likely to achieve based on the current standings, missing the duo could have an effect. Especially Hasaranga, who is probably going to walk straight into the playing XI for the Bengaluru outfit.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will have to play the qualifiers to get into the T20 World Cup. It is an important event for them considering the state of cricket affairs in the country. One of the team’s best players at the moment, Hasaranga and Chameera will have a crucial role to play.
